Four Indian students were among more than six people injured after a knife attack inside a foreign students’ hostel at a state medical university in Ufa, Russia, on Saturday, prompting swift action by local authorities and immediate intervention by the Indian Embassy to assist those affected. Two police officers responding to the incident were also wounded while attempting to detain the suspect, officials said.
According to information released by Russia’s Interior Ministry, the attack took place in the sports hall area of the dormitory, where a group of students had gathered. A teenage boy, reportedly 15 years old, allegedly entered the premises carrying a knife and began assaulting individuals inside the building. The sudden violence caused panic among students, many of whom are international scholars pursuing medical and professional studies in the city.
Law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene and moved to restrain the attacker. During the arrest, the suspect resisted and stabbed two police officers before turning the weapon on himself. Both officers sustained injuries while trying to subdue the teenager, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. The suspect was subsequently overpowered and taken into custody.
Authorities said the injured students and officers were transported to a nearby clinical hospital for treatment. Medical teams attended to their wounds, and most were reported to be in stable condition. The suspect was admitted to a children’s hospital and remains in serious condition. Officials have not publicly released the identities of those injured, though confirmation that four Indian nationals were among the victims has drawn particular attention in India.
The Indian Embassy in Russia acknowledged the incident and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to support the affected students. In a statement, the embassy said it is in constant contact with local authorities and the university administration. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Kazan have traveled to Ufa to provide on-ground assistance, including medical support and coordination with hospitals and families back home.
The episode has raised concerns among Indian families whose children study abroad, particularly in medical institutions across Russia that host a large number of Indian students. Over the years, Ufa and several other Russian cities have become popular destinations for Indian aspirants seeking affordable medical education, making student safety a critical issue for both governments.
Investigators are currently examining the circumstances that led to the knife attack and are working to determine the motive. Security measures around the campus and hostel areas have been strengthened, and university authorities are expected to review existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. Counseling and support services may also be offered to students affected by the traumatic event.
As the situation continues to develop, Indian officials have urged students and their families to remain calm while monitoring updates from the embassy. Further information regarding the condition of the injured and the progress of the investigation is expected in the coming days.
