Karnal youth killed in Russia war cremated
Was recruited in army even though he was on student visa: Family
Anuj's father Vinod Sharma sits on a bench in the cremation ground with his son's Russian army uniform, at Charua village on Thursday. Tribune photo
A pall of gloom descended on Chaura village in Gharaunda block on Thursday after the body of 21-year-old youth Anuj Sharma arrived here from Russia. Anuj, who had gone to Russia about 10 months ago, was reportedly killed in the Ukraine war after being recruited in the Russian army. He was cremated in the village, where people bid him a tearful adieu.
Earlier last week, the body of a youth from a Kaithal village arrived from Russia. He was also killed in the war.
The death of the youth has sparked anger among his family and villagers, who claim that he was misled by agents and forced to join the Russian army despite travelling abroad on a study visa.
Vinod Sharma, father of Anuj, who is a daily wage worker, said he had borrowed nearly Rs 6 lakh to send his son abroad in hope of a better future. “We were told he would study there. He was pressured to join the Russian army. We had not spoken to him since October. On Wednesday evening, I was informed of his death,” he said, sitting beside his son’s Russian army uniform near the pyre.
Anuj’s brother, Arjun, said the family received an email from Russia a few days ago, stating that his brother had been shot. “He last spoke to us on October 14. After that, there was no contact. We appeal to the government to bring back all Indian youths trapped in Russia,” he said.
Villagers described Anuj as a quiet and hardworking man. “He was gentle and responsible. His father is a labourer. The government must ensure that no other family suffers like this. Many youths are stuck in Russia and should be brought back safely,” said Vinod Kumar, a local resident.
Villagers said unemployment was forcing youngsters to go abroad in search of jobs. “We want justice for such youths,” said a villager.
