BJP MLA's controversial remark on student's death in Ukraine
Arvind Bellad, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Karnataka, has courted controversy with his remarks on the recent killing of an Indian student in Ukraine. Bellad—who represents the Hubli-Dharwad constituency—controversially said eight to 10 people could be accommodated on a flight instead of a coffin. He was speaking to reporters regarding the government's efforts to bring back the student's body on Thursday.
Why does this story matter?
Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar (20) became the first Indian fatality in the Russia-Ukraine war. His death has pulled focus toward India's efforts to evacuate citizens from Ukraine as the situation worsens. Last week, India said 20,000 of its nationals were in Ukraine. Although India has brought back at least 12,000 of them, the others still await rescue.
Dead body would take more space: Bellad
Bellad told reporters that a dead body "takes up more space in a flight," making it more challenging. "The government is putting in efforts to bring back the mortal remains of Naveen. Ukraine is a war zone and everyone is aware of it. Efforts are being made and if possible, the body will be brought back," he said.
PM Modi takes personal interest in bringing Naveen's body back
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making all efforts to bring Naveen's body back, Bellad said. The government had earlier assured Naveen's family that the body would be brought back "within two days," Naveen's father told NDTV on Wednesday. His father had said he had requested both the Prime Minister and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to help bring the body back.
Naveen was killed in attack on Kharkiv
Naveen was killed on Tuesday morning as the Russian forces attacked Kharkiv. He was reportedly waiting in a queue to purchase groceries at the time. He was a fourth-year medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University. Naveen and his friends were reportedly waiting to reach Ukraine's western border so they could be taken to India.
Bellad alleges corruption over MBBS seats
Reportedly, Bellad also questioned the huge cost of studying medicine in India, compelling students to go to Ukraine. "We have the Medical Council of India (MCI), it is a private institute. They are creating artificial demand for MBBS seats (sic)," he was quoted as saying by The Hans India. Alleging corruption, Bellad called for action against the MCI.
