Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Oct 17: The Indian Embassy in Moscow has formally requested Russian authorities to expedite the discharge and safe return of Mohammed Ahmed, a 37-year-old resident of Hyderabad, who was allegedly coerced into serving in the Russian Army amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. The diplomatic intervention follows a plea from AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who took up the matter with India’s Foreign Secretary after being approached by Ahmed’s distressed family.
Ahmed, originally from Khairatabad, had traveled to Russia on April 25 in search of employment, after being promised a job by a Mumbai-based recruitment agent. However, his journey took a terrifying turn when he was forcibly transported to a remote military zone, subjected to weapons training, and later deployed near the frontline. His wife, Afsha Begum, stated that he was misled and is now caught in a life-threatening situation.
In a harrowing video message sent from Russia, Ahmed recounted that he had not been given any work for nearly a month and, after attempting other jobs without pay, was eventually forced into military service. “We were a group of 25 people. Seventeen have already died, including one Indian,” Ahmed said in the video, his voice breaking with emotion. He also revealed that he and three other Indians refused to fight, but were threatened at gunpoint. “Two of them gave in. I have a leg injury and a plaster, yet they’re asking me to join tomorrow. I can't even walk,” he said.
Responding to the situation, Tadu Mamu, Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, confirmed in a written communication to the MP that the Embassy had shared Ahmed’s details with Russian officials and is pursuing the matter on priority. “The Embassy has been following up on all cases of Indian nationals in the Russian Army. We will keep the family informed on any further updates regarding Mr. Mohammed Ahmed,” the letter stated.
Ahmed’s case mirrors a disturbing trend. Just months ago, Mohammed Asfan, a 30-year-old also from Hyderabad, was killed after being tricked into joining the Russian military under similar circumstances. Asfan, who worked in a ready-made garments shop, was lured by a Dubai-based agent with false promises of a job and monthly pay starting at Rs 30,000, later increasing to Rs 1.5 lakh. Along with two others, he had traveled to Moscow via Sharjah in November 2023, only to find himself pushed into combat. His family lost contact with him and later approached Owaisi, who coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs. His body was brought back to India in March 2024.
These incidents have sparked growing alarm over the exploitation of Indian nationals by unscrupulous job agents luring vulnerable men into foreign conflict zones under the guise of employment. Authorities are under pressure to crack down on such agents and ensure the safe return of those still trapped.