Body of Hisar man killed in Russia war arrives home

The body of 28-year-old Sonu, a resident of Madanheri village in Hisar district, who was killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, reached his native village on Wednesday, plunging the residents into grief.

Now, village appeals to save Aman

Another youth from the same village, Aman, who had travelled to Russia with Sonu, is still stranded there. In a viral video, Aman alleged that he had been lured with the promise of a security guard’s job but was forcibly sent to the battlefield instead.

He claimed that conditions were “extremely dangerous” and that his life was in constant peril. Villagers and family members have now appealed to the Centre and the Haryana Government to intervene urgently and ensure his safe return.

Sonu was accorded a military-style funeral at the village cremation ground as hundreds gathered to pay their respects, chanting “Shaheed Sonu Amar Rahe”. His body, sent by Russian authorities along with military gear, was handed over to the family in the presence of local officials.

Villagers recalled Sonu as a simple, hardworking youth who had remained in touch despite facing distressing circumstances abroad.

His uncle Jagbir Singh said Sonu had last called home on September 3, revealing that he had been forcibly recruited into the Russian army and sent to the war front. “He told us he was not willing to fight but was compelled to join. That was the last we heard from him,” he said.

The family later received a letter dated September 19, stating that Sonu had been missing since September 6. His death was confirmed weeks later through a communication from a Russian army officer on October 6, which was later verified by the Indian embassy.

Sonu’s body was airlifted to India on Tuesday night and brought to Madanheri today morning. Local MLA Jassi Petwar met the bereaved family, offering condolences and assuring all possible assistance.

According to Sonu’s relatives, he had travelled to Russia in May 2024 for a language course, but was tricked and conscripted into the Russian army soon after arrival. His cousin Anil said a Russian commander informed them that Sonu had been killed in a Ukrainian drone attack.

The family expressed shock over the condition of the body and urged the Central government to investigate the case and secure the safe return of other Indian youths trapped in Russia.