J&K Man Lured In Russia On Job Pretext 'Stuck' In Ukraine, Family Says 'His Life In Danger'

On March 8, the CBI dismantled a human trafficking network responsible for directing Indian nationals into the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, on the pretext of jobs.

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recorded statements from Azad Yousuf Kumar’s family members following an FIR against 19 people and visa consultancy firms allegedly involved in exploiting Indian youth during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, news agency PTI reported. Azad, who hails from Kashmir, found himself inadvertently embroiled in the conflict due to deception.

Sajad Ahmed Kumar, Azad's elder brother, told PTI that the CBI interrogated him regarding his brother's situation and requested his presence at their New Delhi office. However, due to current financial constraints, he was unable to comply.

Sajad further said that the families of 12 other affected Indian nationals have also been contacted by the CBI, all expressing their desire for the safe return of their loved ones.

On March 8, the CBI dismantled a human trafficking network responsible for directing Indian individuals into the conflict zone, including agents operating in Russia. These agents allegedly lured Indian youths with lucrative job prospects in Russia before coercing them into military involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Azad, a 31-year-old engineering graduate from Pulwama, initially sought job opportunities in Dubai but fell victim to false assurances, ultimately finding himself embroiled in the war as a mercenary for the Russian army. His family narrated his situation at the Ukraine border, appealing to the government for his safe return.

According to Azad's family, he departed for Dubai on December 14 last year in pursuit of employment after being enticed by a YouTuber named Faisal Khan.

"He was promised a job in Dubai by the YouTuber. However, he ended up being a mercenary for the Russian army," the family said, urging the Central government to intervene and rescue him from a war he never intended to partake in.

Sajad said that Azad managed to contact the family briefly, detailing the conditions he faced. He recounted Azad's account of constructing bunkers in forests near the Ukraine border and enduring military training, during which he sustained injuries.

"He is right now at the Ukraine border. We spoke to him a few days ago and he told us that his life is in danger. He was forcibly told to sign a contract which was in Russian language and that's how he landed up at the Russia-Ukraine border. Then he was sent to the frontline with other Indians," Sajad told PTI.