Goraya resident missing in Russia, brother to hold dharna in Delhi tomorrow

Goraya-based Jagdeep Kumar, brother of Mandeep Kumar, who is believed to be stranded in the Russian warzone, will be holding a dharna in Delhi on May 29 and also hold a press conference there.

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“I won’t stop until I get to know the actual status of my brother. Until now, I only know that he is missing and nothing else. Why can’t our government tell us what has actually happened? I went to Russia and got details on my own related to the batallion my brother was in and his unit, but whenever I ask any questions of my government, I am left empty-handed,” he told The Tribune.

He said that he had gone to New Delhi after returning from Russia. “Though I didn’t receive any information, I will still continue my search for my brother. My family is on tenterhooks, nobody is serious about our condition,” he said.

Jagdeep Kumar also alleged that three agents, residents of Russia, duped his brother. Mandeep was given a 15-day training as a sniper and made to sign a contract in Russian language when he did not even know the language.

He had also filed a complaint against the agents at a Moscow police station. “My brother was told that he would be hired as a helper or cook, but was instead sent to the warzone,” said Jagdeep.

Before going to Russia, he had met Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal of the Aam Aadmi Party and an official of the Ministry of External Affairs in this regard. He had last spoken to his brother in March 2024.

When Jagdeep was in Russia, his family members were worried about him as well. “Already one son is missing and is stuck there. I was praying every day for the safe return of Jagdeep as well,” said his mother.