10 months ago
Haryana Youth Killed in Russia-Ukraine War, Families Seek Answers
Some young people from India, like Sonu and Karam from Haryana, went to Russia hoping for better jobs.
They were promised good salaries, but instead, they were trained to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Sadly, Sonu was killed by a drone strike, and Karam was also injured.
Sonu's body was sent back to his family in India.
Other Indian youths are also reported missing or have died.
Their families are worried and trying to get more information from the government.
Two young men from Haryana, India, Sonu and Karam Chand, have been killed or reported missing in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Families allege youths were lured to Russia with job promises and then sent for military training.
Sonu died in a drone strike over a month ago, while Karam was injured and his body was repatriated.
Several other Indian youths from Haryana and Rajasthan are reported missing.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is involved in facilitating the return of bodies and addressing the concerns of the families.
- Who
- Sonu (28) and Karam Chand from Haryana, among other Indian youths.
- What
- Two Haryana youths were killed and others went missing after being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Where
- Russia, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- When
- Sonu died over a month ago, Karam's body was brought back October 17, Aman went missing September 6.
- Why
- Recruited by agents promising high salaries, they were then sent for military training and deployed in the war.
Family's Account
Government's Stance
Recruitment Process
Family's Account
Youths were lured by travel agents with promises of high monthly salaries (e.g., ₹2.5 lakh) and advances, only to be subjected to 15-day military training and deployed to the war.
Government's Stance
The Indian Embassy in Moscow has facilitated the transportation of bodies and is involved in the procedures for returning them to India.
Information and Support
Family's Account
Families are receiving distressing news from Russian military officials and are anxious about missing relatives, seeking urgent information and repatriation.
Government's Stance
The Ministry of External Affairs has informed local MPs about the status of repatriation and is involved in the formal procedures.
Key facts
- Deceased Youth 1
- Sonu, 28, from Hisar, Haryana
- Deceased Youth 2
- Karam Chand from Kaithal, Haryana
- Missing Youths
- Two from Rajasthan, Aman (24) from Haryana, Sandeep from Haryana
- Recruitment Method
- Lured with jobs, then sent for military training
- Reported Casualties from Haryana
- Four since July 2024
Quotes
Aashish
Aman’s brother
“This year, as his visa neared expiry, someone there lured him with a promise of `2.5 lakh monthly salary and an advance of `10 lakh. He was told he’d be working for a security company, but was instead sent for a 15-day army training… he didn’t tell us until after the training was completed.”
wionews.com
“The last time he spoke to us was on WhatsApp on September 3. On September 19, a Russian official informed us that Aman went missing on September 6.”
wionews.com
Vikas
Sonu’s elder brother
“I received a message from a Russian military official on September 19 that Sonu had died in a Ukrainian strike. Other youths who trained with him told us that a drone hit Sonu, while Karam was struck on the shoulder. The two youths from Rajasthan are also missing.”
wionews.com
Shri Bhagwan
Sandeep’s uncle
“Sandeep went to Russia in September 2024 on a study visa. His mother sold her gold to arrange `6 lakh for all the expenses.”
wionews.com
