In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 30-year-old individual, Mohammed Asfan, a Hyderabad Man, found himself ensnared in a devastating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Allegedly coerced into joining the Russian Army under false pretenses of employment, Asfan tragically met his demise amidst the ongoing warfare.
Distraught and desperate for assistance, Asfan’s family reached out to Asaduddin Owaisi, the Chief of AIMIM and Member of Parliament for Hyderabad, in hopes of securing his safe return. Despite their fervent efforts, the somber confirmation of Asfan’s passing came from the Indian Embassy in Moscow, leaving his loved ones devastated by the tragic loss.
Hyderabad Man Dies in Russia Conflict
A Hyderabad Man named Mohammed Asfan, who was deceived into participating in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, has tragically passed away. The Indian Embassy in Moscow announced his death on Wednesday via a post on X. However, they have not disclosed the reason behind his death or the purpose of his presence in Russia.
The embassy stated, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Mohammed Asfan, an Indian citizen. We are coordinating with his family and Russian officials, and will endeavor to repatriate his remains to India.”
We have learnt about the tragic death of an Indian national Shri Mohammed Asfan. We are in touch with the family and Russian authorities. Mission will make efforts to send his mortal remains to India.@MEAIndia
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) March 6, 2024
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Indians Trapped in Russia Under False Promises
Hyderabad Man’s family recently received the distressing news of his demise while in Russia. He was one of many individuals from India who had been enticed to Russia under false pretenses, promising lucrative employment opportunities. The notification of his passing came through AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, who has been actively shedding light on this issue since last month.
In a letter addressed to the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, Owaisi highlighted the plight of individuals hailing from various Indian states, including Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, who were deceitfully coerced into participating in conflicts in Russia.
On February 29, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that approximately 20 Indians stranded in Russia had managed to establish contact with Indian authorities. Subsequently, the government assured that it was diligently working towards repatriating these individuals and ensuring their safe return to their homeland.
How Indian Workers Were Deceived and Trapped in Russian Conflict?
Numerous men, reportedly deceived by a Dubai-based agent named Faisal Khan, found themselves stranded in Russia. Khan, known for his YouTube channel ‘Baba Vlogs’ with over 300,000 subscribers, claimed in a video to be collaborating with the Russian army, boasting about obtaining work permits for seven individuals.
Abdul Naeem’s son and his friends, former workers in Dubai, fell victim to Khan’s promises of lucrative security jobs in Russia. Each of them paid ₹3 lakh to the agent. Transported to Russia in December, they were coerced into signing Russian documents, unknowingly entangling themselves in conflict.
These Indian men, including Hyderabad Man, some receiving rudimentary weapons training, were deployed in Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Mariupol. One individual from Kashmir sustained a gunshot wound. Reports vary regarding their affiliation, whether with the Russian Army or the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization.
Other People Appeal For Help
The plea of seven men from Punjab and Haryana seeking assistance from the Indian government. They claim they were coerced into joining the conflict in Ukraine.
Harsh, a 19-year-old from Karnal, Haryana, shared a video explaining their situation. According to him, they were taken to Belarus by an agent who later abandoned them when they couldn’t pay more money. Subsequently, they were handed over to Russian authorities who compelled them to sign documents and participate in the war against Ukraine.
Harsh’s family revealed that he had traveled in search of employment but ended up being caught in Russia. His mother stated that he was threatened with a ten-year jail term by Russian soldiers and forcibly enlisted for military training.
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Hyderabad Man Dies in Russia Conflict FAQs
Q.1. Who was Mohammed Asfan?
Ans. Mohammed Asfan, a Hyderabad Man, was a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad who tragically lost his life in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Q.2. How did Mohammed Asfan end up in Russia?
Ans. Hyderabad Man was allegedly lured into Russia under false pretenses of employment, ultimately coerced into joining the Russian Army.
Q.3. Who confirmed Mohammed Asfan’s death?
Ans. The Indian Embassy in Moscow confirmed Mohammed Asfan’s passing, leaving his family devastated by the loss.
Q.4. What efforts are being made for Mohammed Asfan’s repatriation?
Ans. The Indian government, in coordination with Russian authorities, is working towards repatriating Mohammed Asfan’s remains to India.
Q.5. Are there others like Hyderabad Man trapped in Russia?
Ans. Yes, several individuals from various Indian states were deceitfully coerced into participating in conflicts in Russia, sparking efforts for their safe return.