11 Indians found dead in a resort in Georgia's Gudauri, Indian embassy confirms
The Embassy assured full support to the bereaved families stating that it is collaborating with local authorities to ensure swift repatriation of the deceased's remains to India.
(Representative Image)
Georgia: Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission in Tbilisi confirmed on Monday. According to Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, preliminary investigations revealed no signs of injury or violence. Local media, citing police sources, reported that the victims died due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Indian mission expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. In a press release shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Tbilisi wrote, "The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families."
The Embassy assured full support to the bereaved families stating that it is collaborating with local authorities to ensure swift repatriation of the deceased's remains to India. "The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support," the statement added.
Earlier, the Indian mission had stated that all 12 victims were Indian nationals. However, Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs later clarified that 11 victims were foreigners, and one was a Georgian citizen.
It has been learned that the victims were employees of an Indian restaurant, Haveli, in Gudauri. The bodies were discovered in the bedrooms on the second floor of the restaurant facility.
The police have launched an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to negligent manslaughter. Preliminary findings suggest that a power generator, placed in a closed indoor area near the bedrooms, was switched on likely due to a power outage on Friday night.
A forensic medical examination has been ordered to confirm the exact cause of death, although initial reports point to carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigative actions are ongoing, with forensic experts examining the site and police conducting interviews with individuals connected to the case.
"The employees of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in connection with the accident that took place in Gudauri, as a result of which 12 people died, started an investigation under Article 116 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies negligent manslaughter," the statement read.
The Ministry reported that the bodies of 12 individuals were found in the resting area on the second floor of the restaurant. Among the deceased, 11 were foreign nationals, and one was a Georgian citizen.
"In connection with this fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic-criminalistics are working on the spot, interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death," Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
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