Karnal youth killed on Russia-Ukraine war-front, family alleges forced recruitment

A pall of gloom descended on Chaura village in Gharaunda block of Karnal district, Haryana, on Thursday afternoon after the body of 21-year-old youth Anuj Sharma arrived home.

Anuj, who had gone to Russia nearly 10 months ago, was reportedly killed on the war front after being recruited into the Russian Army and sustaining bullet injuries during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

He was cremated in the village, where people gave him a tearful adieu. Last week, the body of a youth from Kaithal's village returned from Russia. He was also killed in warfront.

The death of the youth has sparked anger among his family and villagers, who allege that he was misled by agents and forced into the Russian Army despite traveling abroad on a study visa.

Vinod Sharma, father of Anuj, who is a daily wage worker, said that he had borrowed nearly Rs 6 lakh to send his son abroad in the hope of a better future. Anuj went to Russia on May 21, 2025.

“We were told he would study there. He was pressured to join the Russian Army. We had not spoken to him since October 14, 2025. On Wednesday evening, I was informed of his death. My son was killed by a bullet,” Vinod said tearfully, sitting beside his son’s uniform near the funeral pyre.

Anuj’s brother, Arjun, confirmed that 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 safely,” he said.

Villagers described Anuj as a quiet and hardworking boy from a middle‑class family who went abroad to improve his family’s financial condition. “He was gentle and responsible. His father works as a laborer. The government must ensure that no other family suffers like this. Many youths from India are stuck in Russia, and they should be brought back safely,” said Vinod Kumar, a resident.

The arrival of the body triggered heart‑wrenching scenes in the village. Anuj’s mother and sister cried inconsolably, calling out to see him one last time. His father sat silently, clutching the Russian Army uniform, giving his son a final farewell with tearful eyes.

Villagers said that unemployment is forcing young minds to go abroad in search of jobs and a better future, but after reaching there, they are forced to go to the war front. “We want justice for such youth,” said a villager.