Tamil Nadu doctor detained in Russia; wife alleges torture

A doctor from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has allegedly been detained and mistreated by Russian authorities in Sochi, prompting his family to seek urgent intervention from the Indian government.

Dr K Jagadeeswaran, who obtained his medical degree from an Armenian university in 2022 and has been working there since, was reportedly taken into custody by immigration officials at Sochi airport on September 16. His wife, Yamini, said he was “tortured and humiliated” during detention and his health has deteriorated.

Jagadeeswaran had travelled to Russia with his friend Shekhar Manikandan, who runs an educational consultancy, under a tourist visa. While Manikandan was released and deported to India after a week, Jagadeeswaran continued to be held for allegedly not cooperating with authorities.

“Instead of giving a proper explanation on why he was detained, my husband was harassed and denied proper food. His sugar levels dropped dangerously,” said Yamini. She further stated her husband has since been released but lacks the documents needed to travel to Moscow and return to India.

The Indian Embassy in Moscow has advised him to reach the capital for assistance, but he remains stranded in Sochi, she said.

Yamini said she has approached the Ministry of External Affairs and the Tamil Nadu BJP office seeking help. “Through the media, I sincerely request the Central and State governments to take steps for the safe and early release of my husband from Russia,” she said.