Indian student disappears after boarding train in Lahti

Finland’s National Bureau of Investigations is investigating the disappearance of an 18-year-old Indian student who boarded a commuter train in Lahti and vanished in Helsinki, Yle reports.

The student, who arrived in Finland last autumn to study at LUT University in Lappeenranta and Lahti, was last seen in early May at a K-market in Helsinki’s Kruunuvuorenranta district. He had traveled from Lahti to Helsinki by Z-train on May 5 around 5 p.m., wearing dark clothing, light footwear, and carrying a backpack with thick gloves attached to the outside.

Senior Detective Superintendent Olli Töyräs of the National Bureau of Investigations stated there is no suspicion of foul play. The student had been in regular contact with his family in India, who requested a missing person report when they lost contact. The case was transferred from Häme Police District to the NBI at the local police’s request.

Investigators are conducting searches in Helsinki’s Kruunuvuori area and examining the circumstances of the disappearance. Special investigators were in Lahti on Tuesday carrying out inquiries.

The NBI has asked the public for any information or sightings related to the case. Indian media, including Indian Express, reported in late June that the student’s parents had urged authorities in India to locate their son after he requested a small sum of money (approximately €50) on the day he disappeared.