Push for stuck Indians’ return: Wife of missing Ambala man to Centre

With Russian President Vladimir Putin on India visit, Kahakasha, wife of Mohammad Javed (34), who reportedly went missing in Russia after he was sent to the frontline, has appealed to the Indian Government to push for the safe return of the Indians stuck in Russia.

With her nine-month-old daughter Fatima in her lap, Kahakasha appeared dejected as she has no knowledge about the whereabouts of her husband despite continuous efforts and appeals.

“I have had no contact with my husband since October 15. I have made repeated rounds at the police station and requested the Indian Embassy and Ministry of External Affairs multiple times, but there has been no positive response so far. I have been told that my husband is missing and the authorities are trying to trace him. My husband used to work as a cook and went to Russia in August, but he was cheated and lured to join the Russian army,” said Kahakasha.

Kahakasha, living in a small house in congested lanes of a colony in Ambala Cantonment, said, “We appeal to the Centre to make some special efforts and ensure that all the Indians who are stuck in Russia are brought back safely.”

Mohammad Javed, father of three minor children, had done a hotel management course from Meerut and worked as a cook in different hotels in Haryana, Delhi and Goa. He had also worked in Kuwait.

“My husband moved to Russia through a Mohali-based agent, but instead of providing him a cook’s job, he was left at a farmhouse in Moscow. He stayed there for over a month. A retired colonel and another agent Jeetu lured my husband into joining the Russian army to get the job of cook on the pretext of good salary. But after 15-day training, he was sent to the frontline. My husband had sent two videos in which he looked tense, explained how he was cheated, how drone and missiles were coming and 3-4 people had already died. His life is in danger. It has been nearly 50 days and I have no information about him. The contact number through which he used to talk is also switched off. Now, I am left here with three minor children (two boys and a girl),” she said.

In the video, Javed, the only breadwinner in the house, was seen wearing army uniform and blamed the agent for ruining his life and taking Rs 4.5 lakh which he had arranged after mortgaging the house.

Kahakasha said, “I have submitted a police complaint against the agent but the case is yet to be registered. The agent now claims that he hasn’t sent my husband to Russia. The police have assured that they are working on the case and appropriate action will be taken. The Russian President is here in India and I request him that not only my husband, but all the Indians who are stuck in the war there must be sent back safely.”