Knife attack at Russian university dorm in Ufa leaves four Indian students injured; teen suspect linked to neo-Nazi group drew swastika in blood.
Knife attack at Russian university dorm in Ufa leaves four Indian students injured [Photo: X]
A shocking knife attack inside a university hostel in Russia has raised alarms about student safety and extremist violence, after a teenager allegedly linked to a neo-Nazi group went on a stabbing spree. The incident took place at a foreign students’ dormitory at a state medical university in Ufa, leaving multiple people injured, including four Indian students.
Disturbing visuals and eyewitness accounts, including a swastika drawn on a wall using blood and slogans referencing the Holocaust, have intensified concerns over radicalisation among minors. Russian authorities have launched a high-level investigation as diplomatic channels moved quickly to assist the injured foreign nationals.
Investigators and eyewitnesses have revealed deeply disturbing elements linked to the attack. Witnesses told authorities that the attacker shouted Holocaust-related and nationalist slogans while carrying out the stabbings. After the assault, a swastika was reportedly drawn on a dormitory wall using the victims’ blood, underscoring the ideological nature of the violence.
Russian media reports suggest the teenager may have been influenced by extremist propaganda. Officials are now examining whether the act was driven by radical beliefs and if the suspect had connections with extremist networks operating online or offline.
The attack occurred on Saturday (February 7) inside the sports hall of a hostel housing foreign students. According to officials, a 15-year-old armed with a knife entered the dormitory area and began attacking students indiscriminately.
More than six people were injured, including four Indian students and two police officers who responded to the scene. Panic spread rapidly through the hostel as students tried to escape or take cover. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while police secured the area to prevent further harm.
Russian authorities confirmed that the attacker resisted arrest and injured himself during the confrontation.
Authorities have not released the identity or photographs of the suspect, citing his age and the ongoing investigation. Russian media reports say the teenager is currently admitted to a children’s hospital and remains in serious condition.
Witnesses told investigators that the attacker behaved aggressively, shouted extremist slogans and showed no sign of stopping until police intervened. Officials continue to question people who were present at the scene to piece together the sequence of events.
Investigators are probing the suspect’s alleged links to ‘NS/WP’ (National Socialism/White Power) — a neo-Nazi group banned in Russia and designated as a terrorist organisation in 2021.
Eyewitnesses reported that the teenager shouted nationalist and Holocaust-related slogans during the attack. In one of the most chilling details, a swastika symbol was reportedly drawn on a dormitory wall using the victims’ blood, underlining the ideological motive behind the violence.
Authorities are now examining the suspect’s online activity, contacts and possible exposure to extremist propaganda.
The Indian Embassy in Russia confirmed that four Indian students were injured in the stabbing. In an official statement posted on X, the embassy said:
“An unfortunate incident of an attack has occurred in Ufa. Several persons, including four Indian students, have been injured. The Embassy is in touch with the authorities, and the officials from the Consulate in Kazan are on their way to Ufa to assist the injured students.”
Indian officials are coordinating with local authorities to ensure medical care, legal support and communication with families back home.
Russia’s Interior Ministry confirmed that police neutralised and detained the attacker at the scene. Interior Ministry spokesperson Maj Gen Irina Volk said the suspect resisted arrest and injured officers during the process.
Law enforcement agencies have sealed off the hostel area, collected forensic evidence and launched a criminal investigation into attempted murder, extremist activity and terrorism-related offences. Authorities have also ordered security reviews at student hostels and university campuses in the region.
Investigators believe the attack may stem from radicalisation and exposure to extremist ideology, especially given the suspect’s age and alleged ties to a banned neo-Nazi organisation. The case has reignited debate in Russia over online extremism, youth radicalisation and campus security.
The targeting of a foreign students’ hostel has also raised concerns about hate-driven violence and the safety of international students studying abroad. As the probe continues, officials say they will examine whether the teenager acted alone or received encouragement from extremist networks.
