Jaihind seeks Centre’s help for youths stuck in Russia

Families of several youths allegedly trapped in the Russian army arrived in Rohtak from different districts on Saturday to seek help. They met social activist and former AAP state president Naveen Jaihind, urging him to take up their cause and press for government intervention.

Jaihind said many young men from Haryana had gone to Russia on study visas, for which their families had raised substantial amounts—often running into lakhs of rupees—through agents. However, he alleged that these agents deceived them by enrolling the youths into the Russian army, following which they were reportedly sent to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Jaihind appealed to the Centre to take up the issue with Russian authorities and ensure the safe return of all Indian youths trapped there.

Vikas, a resident of Hisar, said his brother Sonu went to Russia on a study visa last year after the family borrowed nearly Rs 7.5 lakh to fund the trip. “On September 3, we received a call informing us that Sonu had joined the Russian army,” he claimed. Shribhagwan from Rohtak shared that his nephew Sandeep had gone to Russia last year on a student visa and took up part-time work in a restaurant. “After about 10 months, an agent again approached him, offered an attractive salary, and got him enrolled in the army under false pretences,” he said.