TbilisiAccording to the Indian mission, 12 Indian citizens were found dead in a restaurant in the mountain resort of Gudauri in Georgia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia issued a statement saying that no injuries or signs of violence were found during the initial inspection. All the victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police.
The Indian mission in Tbilisi said that all 12 of those killed were Indian nationals. However, in a statement released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, 11 foreigners and one victim are citizens.
He added that the bodies of all the victims, employees of the same Indian restaurant, were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the facility.
“The Mission has recently learned about the death of 12 Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The Mission is in touch with the local authorities to obtain details of the Indian nationals who lost their lives. All possible assistance will be extended,” the Indian mission here said in a statement.
Police launched an investigation under Article 116 of the Georgia Criminal Code, which indicates reckless homicide.
According to preliminary investigations, a power generator was kept in an enclosed space in the indoor area, near the bedroom, which was switched on after the power supply was cut off on Friday night.
A forensic medical examination has also been ordered to determine the “exact cause of death”.
Investigations are “actively” underway, with forensic-crimeologists working at the scene, and interviews of people connected to the case are being conducted.