In Russia for 3 months, Goraya man’s search for missing brother prolongs

Nearly three months after he landed in Russia in search of his missing brother, Goraya resident Jagdeep Kumar continues to be there. This is Jagdeep’s second trip to Russia. Jagdeep last spoke to his brother Mandeep Kumar on March 3, 2023. “Since then, Mandeep’s whereabouts remain unknown,” he said.

Speaking over the phone, Jagdeep said he had taken loans to send his younger brother, Mandeep Kumar, abroad. He said Mandeep was “forcibly recruited” into the Russian army to fight the Ukraine war.

Jagdeep said he had to again borrow money to visit Russia and was now burdened with a debt of over Rs 15 lakh, which he feared he might never be able to repay. “I will appeal to the Indian government to help us,” he said. Claiming that several Indians injured in the ongoing conflict were not being given proper care, Jagdeep urged the authorities to intervene.

“I have come to know that Indians who were forcibly recruited in the Russian army and those injured in the war are not receiving treatment. They are being sent back to India without any support. This should not happen to our people,” he said, alluding to India-Russia friendly ties. Jagdeep said he, along with others, had been actively searching for 13 Indians who remained missing in Russia.