Youth forced into Russian army, Patran family seeks Centre’s intervention

A youth from the Patran area here has alleged that he was forced to fight for the Russian army after being misled into signing a contract in in that country.

Gagandeep Singh, a resident of Dedhna village, near Patran, is currently near the Russia-Ukraine border and has appealed to the Indian Government for help, claiming he was pushed into the war zone against his will.

According to his family, they had sent him to Russia for studies after spending their savings, hoping he would find a job and support the household. Until recently, they believed he was working for a company in Russia.

The situation came to light a few days ago when Gagandeep sent an SOS message and made a video from Ukraine describing his condition and seeking urgent assistance.

“We were shocked when we saw the video. He told us that they were not allowed to shoot videos or use mobile phones and that he took a risk to send the message and speak to us,” his family members said.

The family said they have approached Patiala Lok Sabha MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi for help.

In the video message, Gagandeep alleged that he had unknowingly signed a contract in Russian language after being persuaded by a fellow student.

“I did not know Russian. I had come here to study and later find work to support my parents. A fellow student made me sign a contract with a Russian firm saying it was a company job. Since it was in Russian, I trusted him and signed that. Instead of a job, I was sent to the Ukraine border to fight for Russia,” he said. He added that heavy fighting and casualties were taking place around him and that he had also suffered injuries.

“The situation is getting worse. I request the Indian Government to save me,” he said in the video.

Dr Dharamvira Gandhi said he had raised the matter with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “I have requested the minister to intervene and take necessary steps to ensure the safety and possible evacuation of the young man,” Gandhi said, adding that the minister had assured assistance.