13 UP men tricked into security guard jobs, forced to fight in Russia’s war; 3 dead, 8 missing
Azamgarh: Several youths from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh and surrounding districts, who initially went to Russia for jobs as security guards and cooks, were fraudulently sent to fight on the Russian side in the war against Ukraine.
Out of the 13 men who travelled to Russia, three have died on the battlefield, while two others have returned home after sustaining injuries during the war. The whereabouts of the remaining eight are still unknown, and their families have not received any updates.
The Indian embassy in Moscow has designated the eight as ‘missing’, reported Times of India, citing the family members of the victims.
One such victim, Yogendra Yadav, had worked for several years in the Middle Eastern countries. The job offer in Russia seemed significantly better and more lucrative, as he was promised a watchman position that would pay him Rs 2 lakh per month. However, as his wife, Anita Devi, explained, the situation took a drastic turn. “Within a couple of days after landing in Russia, he informed us that he had been deceived by the agents and trapped in a battle zone. He along with others were asked to mandatorily take part in weapons training and then were sent on frontline to fight a war which had nothing to do with my husband or other Indian men,” she told TOI.
Yogendra has three children, including two daughters and a son. His eldest daughter, Muskan, is unsure about appearing for her class 12 board exams as her school fees have been unpaid for months, though the school had previously given her relief on humanitarian grounds.
Another missing victim is Azaruddin Khan, from Gulami Ka Pura in Azamgarh. His sister, Zeba, told the news outlet that the family is not asking for money, only his safe return. “It was the first time he went abroad for a simple job, not to fight in a war. After sending several emails to the Indian embassy in Moscow, we were only told that the status of eight men is still ‘missing’. My father, Mainuddin Khan, suffered a heart attack when he learned that Azaruddin was trapped in Russia to fight a war against Ukraine,” she shared.
Apart from Azaruddin Khan and Yogendra Yadav, several others from UP travelled to Russia between January and February last year, including Humeshwar Prasad, Vinod Yadav, Sunil Yadav, Kanhaiya Yadav, Arvind Kumar, Dhirendra Kumar, Deepak, Ramachandra, Shyam Sundar, Rakesh Yadav, and Brajesh Kumar Yadav.
Of these, Kanhaiya Yadav, Sunil Yadav, and Shyam Sundar died on the battlefield, with their bodies being returned to their hometowns between September and December 2024, added the report.
Rakesh Yadav and Brajesh Kumar Yadav returned home with shrapnel injuries in September last year. The whereabouts of the remaining eight men are still unknown.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
