The attack took place at the Bashkir State Medical University's dormitory on Repina Street, a focal point for international students. The teenager, a local Class IX student, had entered the sports hall area and started attacking residents with little or no regard for anyone else as witnesses described a total chaos scene.
Chilling Details of the Assault
The violence of the attack was compounded by the alleged ideological motivations of that attacker:
- Extremist Tie-Ins: Local media outlets said the teen is a supporter of the NS/WP (National Socialism/White Power), a neo-Nazi organization banned in Russia and classified as a terrorist group there.
- Hate Speech: During the stabbing spree, the aggressor was reported to shout nationalist slogans praising the Holocaust.
- Bloody Swastika: In some especially gruesome evidence, the 15-year-old was said to have drawn a swastika on a wall of a dormitory by drawing marks with the blood of his victims.
Casualties and Aftermath
At least six people were injured during the rampage. These included four Indian medical students, two of whom are said to be in moderate condition, and one in serious condition. When police stepped in, the suspect struggled with violence, stabbing two police officers and apparently then harming himself in an apparent suicide attempt. The attacker is now being treated at a children’s hospital in serious condition.
Diplomatic and Judicial Response
The Indian Embassy in Moscow has said the incident was “unfortunate” and officials from the Consulate in Kazan have been sent to Ufa for legal and medical help to the students. In the meantime, Russian officials have opened a high-level probe. In addition to the criminal inquiry into the attacker, the Prosecutor’s Office has opened a case of gross dereliction of duty against university personnel. The school system of the boy, reports show, already knew of his "deviant behavior" but had refused to act for prevention.
Student Safety Concerns
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for greater safety for the thousands of Indian students learning their medical degrees in Russia. With Ufa being a major destination for medical studies the community is on high alert.
