Jalandhar/New Delhi: The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has claimed yet another Indian life, with a 30-year-old man from Punjab’s Jalandhar district reported dead while serving with the Russian army. The deceased, identified as Mandeep Kumar, was a resident of Goraya and had been living abroad for several months before his death.
According to family members, Mandeep had travelled overseas in search of employment but was allegedly misled by travel agents and later forced into military service in Russia. His body was flown back to India and arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi around 1 pm on Saturday.
Mandeep’s family, including his brother Jagdeep Kumar, reached the airport to receive his mortal remains. Speaking to the media, Jagdeep said his brother had been untraceable for months, leaving the family in distress. “We were hoping for his safe return. Instead, his body has come back,” he said, adding that the family would take the remains to Jalandhar for the final rites.
Jagdeep had earlier travelled to Russia in an attempt to locate Mandeep and had raised the issue with both Punjab and central authorities. Despite repeated efforts, the family received limited information until they were informed of his death.
Family members shared that Mandeep had left India on September 17, 2023, travelling to Armenia with a relative and three acquaintances. After flying from Amritsar, the group reportedly worked as labourers in Armenia for nearly three months. On December 9, 2023, they moved to Russia. While the others eventually returned to India, Mandeep remained behind.
Jagdeep further claimed that his brother was physically disabled and questioned how he could have been recruited into the Russian army, as disabled individuals are generally ineligible for military service. The family now plans to approach the Ministry of External Affairs and seek clarification from Russian authorities. They are also considering legal action in a Russian court to determine the circumstances under which Mandeep was enlisted.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Indian nationals seeking work abroad through unverified agents, particularly in regions affected by conflict.
