Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 23: Mohammed Ahmed, a 37-year-old resident of Telangana, travelled to Russia in April seeking employment in the construction sector but is now reportedly trapped in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and coerced into military training. His wife, Afsha Begum, has appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent intervention.

According to Afsha Begum, a Mumbai-based consultancy firm had promised Ahmed a construction job in Russia. Upon arrival, he was left idle for nearly a month before being forced into weapons training along with 30 others. Ahmed reportedly refused to fight after being taken to a border area and suffered a fracture in his right leg while attempting to escape from a military vehicle. He remains under threat of being forced into combat.

In a selfie video purportedly recorded in Russia, Ahmed stated that 17 of the 25 men who trained with him have been killed, including an Indian. He said he and three other Indians refused to enter the warzone and faced threats, with weapons pointed at them. He appealed for help, noting that the agent who arranged his travel had placed him in this situation.

Ahmed’s family sought assistance from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi, who wrote to the Indian Embassy in Russia requesting immediate action for Ahmed’s safe return. Tadu Mamu, Counsellor at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, confirmed that Ahmed’s details have been shared with Russian authorities and that the embassy is following up to ensure his early discharge from military duties and safe repatriation.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is aware of more Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian military, with new information provided by families. Earlier, India requested Russia to release 27 Indian nationals recently recruited into the Russian army. The embassy assured the family that they will be kept informed of developments regarding Ahmed’s return.