Two students from India tragically lost their lives during a hike with four other companions from their homeland at a well-known tourist destination in Scotland. The bodies of the two individuals were retrieved by rescue teams from the water close to the confluence of two rivers at the Linn of Tummel, on Wednesday evening.
Jitendranath ‘Jitu’ Karuturi (26) and Chanhakya Bolisetti (22), who were studying for their Master’s degree in data science and engineering at Dundee University, have been identified as the students involved in the incident. While trying to capture a picture of the Linn of Tummel in Blair Atholl, Perthshire, the unfortunate incident happened, resulting in their fall into the water.
Two more friends were accompanying them during the hike when the incident took place. The fire department dispatched two boat rescue teams to the picturesque location, and they managed to retrieve two bodies. According to other news sources, the two students hail from Andhra Pradesh.
Karuturi and Bolisetti started their academic journey at Dundee University in January 2023, with an anticipated graduation in May. Karuturi had earned degrees from the University of Hartford, Connecticut, and had been working at the Taza Indian buffet restaurant in Dundee. In addition, Bolisetti had completed studies at JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad, in 2022 and had been a student ambassador at Dundee since August the year before.
The Indian High Commission in London has provided assistance to the grieving families, with consular officials reaching out to offer support. A representative from the High Commission mentioned that the Consulate General of India has been in communication with the families of the two students, and a consular officer has personally met with the family member of one of the students residing in the UK.
Post-mortem examinations are set to take place on Friday, after which steps will be taken to repatriate the bodies to India. The university has committed to providing support in all ways possible to streamline the procedure. The unexpected passing of Karuturi and Bolisetti has deeply affected the Indian student community and others. Their unfortunate departure highlights the uncertainty of life and the significance of safety measures, even in places that seem familiar. While loved ones grieve their tragic loss, this event emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and careful, especially in new environments.
