A young student from Morbi district of Gujarat has come forward from Russia and given a serious warning. This student, who had gone to Russia for studies, alleges that he was forcibly recruited into the Russian Army after being implicated in a false drugs case. In a video released after being caught in Ukraine, he not only appealed to the Indian government for help, but also appealed to the youth going to Russia to be extremely cautious.
Who is the student and what is the whole matter
The name of the student is Sahil Mohammad Hussain, who is a resident of Morbi, Gujarat. Sahil went to Russia for studies on student visa in 2024. Along with studies, he was also working part-time in a courier company. During this time, according to him, the Russian police implicated him in a false drugs case.
Allegation of recruitment in army in exchange for removal of drugs case
Sahil alleges that the Russian police and prison officials gave him a ‘deal’ that if he joined the Russian Army, the drugs case against him would be dropped. Under compulsion he accepted this proposal. He claims that after giving only 15 days of training, he was sent directly to the war front.
Surrendered as soon as he reached the frontline
In the video, Sahil told that as soon as he reached the frontline of Ukraine, he immediately surrendered before the Ukrainian army. After this, Ukrainian forces recorded his videos and sent them to his mother, so that awareness could be spread about this issue in India.
Emotional appeal to the Government of India
Sahil, imprisoned in Ukraine, said in a video message, ‘I am very disappointed. I don’t know what will happen next. But my appeal to all the youth who want to come to Russia is to be very careful. Many people here get implicated in false drugs cases. Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India, he said, ‘President Putin had recently visited India. I request the government to talk to Putin and ensure my safe return home.
Mother filed petition in Delhi court
Sahil’s mother has filed a petition in a Delhi court for the safe return of her son. The next hearing in this case is to be held in February. The family says that Sahil was recruited into the army under deception and pressure.
Claim of implicating 700 people in drugs case
In another video, Sahil claimed that at least 700 people in Russia were jailed in false drug cases and were given the option of joining the army. He said, ‘I have not committed any crime. I took this decision just to get rid of the case.
Indian government’s reaction
On 5 December, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the Indian government was actively pursuing the release of Indian citizens who had joined the Russian army. He told that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised this issue with President Vladimir Putin and continuous talks are going on for the early release of Indian citizens.
Strict warning to Indian citizens
The Foreign Secretary warned in clear words that Indian citizens should stay away from offers to join the Russian Army under any circumstances. He said, ‘We are seeing many such cases where people are stuck there and are appealing to be brought back to India.’
