2 Russian politicians dead at Odisha hotel in 1 week; one was critic of Putin's Ukraine war, say reports

Two Russian politicians died in an Odisha hotel in one week.

On 25 December 2022, Pavel Antonov, a Russian lawmaker and philanthropist, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Rayagada. Antonov had reportedly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "terrorism".

On 22 December, another member of Antonov's group, Vladimir Budanov had been found dead at the hotel. Police said that Budanov had suffered a heart attack.

Police added that they are investigating whether Antonov committed suicide, or fell to his death accidentally.

Both tourists were reportedly part of a group of 4 Russians and a guide named Jitendra Singh who had checked into the hotel on 21 December. Antonov was reportedly on vacation to celebrate his 66th birthday.

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