MOGA, 26 Sept — The family of Buta Singh, a 25-year-old from Chak Kanian Kalan village in Moga district, has issued an urgent plea for his safe return after he was reportedly forced into the Russian Army and sustained injuries amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Singh had travelled to Russia in October last year on a student visa, arranged through a Delhi-based agent. His family, who reportedly paid Rs 3.5 lakh hoping he would secure a legitimate job, said his documents were confiscated upon arrival, and he was compelled to sign a contract with the Russian military. According to Singh, several Indian youths, including himself, received only basic training before being deployed to the frontline.
In a video that circulated widely on social media, Singh, dressed in military uniform, appealed to the Indian government for urgent evacuation, revealing that many other Indian men from Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir are facing similar situations.
“We last heard from him through a WhatsApp voice message. He said his life was in grave danger. Since then, all contact has been lost,” said his sister, Karamjit Kaur.
Singh’s parents, Ram Singh, a daily wager, and Paramjit Kaur, said they had sold part of their land to fund his journey abroad. “We appeal to the Centre and the Punjab government to intervene diplomatically and ensure the safe return of our son and others like him,” his father noted.
The family’s appeal underscores growing concerns over Indian nationals who reportedly find themselves trapped in foreign conflicts under deceptive circumstances.
