Goraya man to visit Russia again to search brother

Jagdeep Kumar from Goraya, brother of Mandeep Kumar, who has reportedly been missing in Russia for nearly 18 months, is preparing to go to Russia in search of answers.

Jagdeep had previously travelled to Russia two months ago to gather information but faced significant challenges. "The language barrier was a major issue," he said. "I had to find a translator on my own, and the expenses for logistics and other necessities were quite high," he said.

Jagdeep, who runs a mobile phone shop in Goraya, said his family has been struggling financially. "This time, I reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance, and most of my requests have been addressed," he stated.

He added that his travel tickets have been arranged with the help of senior Congress leader Raja Warring. For others, who will accompany him, he plans to seek support from environmentalist and social worker Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal.

Jagdeep said he had been in constant touch with family members of eight other men who were stuck in the warzone.

“My parents aren’t doing well. I cannot tell what we are going through. Everytime I go home, they look at me with a hope that I will give them good news,” Jagdeep had earlier said, adding that Mandeep had initially gone to Armenia in search of work, where he got in touch with a travel agent, who promised to send him to Italy.

‘Duped by travel agent’

“When my brother reached Russia, he was tricked into joining the Russian army,” the Goraya resident alleged.

Adding to the distress, Jagdeep claimed that he himself was duped of Rs 6 lakh by the same agent, who had promised to send his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany.