Moga man trapped in Russia-Ukraine war appeals for rescue

The family of Buta Singh (25), a resident of Chak Kanian Kalan village in Moga district, has raised an urgent appeal for his safe return after he was allegedly forced into the Russian Army and injured in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Singh had travelled to Russia in October last year on a student visa through a Delhi-based agent, after his family reportedly paid Rs 3.5 lakh in the hope of securing him a job. Instead, his documents were seized, and he was allegedly compelled to sign a contract with the Russian Army. Several Indian youths, including Buta Singh, were given only basic training before being sent to the frontline.

In a video that went viral, Singh, dressed in military uniform, is seen talking to his family members and pleading with the Indian government for immediate evacuation. He revealed that many Indian men from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir have also been trapped in similar circumstances.

His sister Karamjit Kaur said the family last received a WhatsApp voice message from him, after which all contact was lost. “He told us his life was in grave danger. We fear for his safety,” she said.

Singh’s father Ram Singh, a daily wager, and mother Paramjit Kaur said they had sold part of their land to finance his journey abroad. They have now appealed to the Centre and the Punjab government to intervene diplomatically and secure the safe return of their son and others like him.