Hyderabad youth trapped in Russia-Ukraine conflict, family appeals for rescue

Hyderabad resident Mohammed Ahmed was lured to Russia under a job offer but forced into the Russian Army. Following previous deaths of Telangana youth in the conflict, his family seeks urgent intervention from the Indian government for his safe return

Hyderabad: The saga of youth from Telangana ending up in war zones in Russia-Ukraine conflict continues with the family of a Hyderabad man desperately seeking help from the Indian government to rescue him.

Mohammed Ahmed of MS Maktha, Khairatabad, went to Russia to work in a construction company in April, but landed up with an assignment with the Russian Army. Fearing that he would not return home, Ahmed sent an SOS to his family, who are now seeking help from the Indian government to rescue and ensure his safe return.

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This is not an isolated case; several youngsters from Telangana were conned into working for the Russian armed forces in this job scam.

Another man from Hyderabad, Mohammad Afsan, a resident of Bazar Guard, was killed in the conflict while working for the Russian Army in 2024. Another youngster, Mohammed Sufiyan, from Telangana, managed to return safely, along with a few other Indians, after intervention of the Indian government.

“The agents are luring the youth with promises of high salary and other benefits, but not disclosing their main role. On landing in the country, they are forced into working for the Russian Army and getting killed,” said Amjedullah Khan, MBT party spokesperson.

“Afsan was promised a salary of Rs 45,000 per month for the initial three months, and later a gradual increase up to Rs 1.5 lakh. After working for a year, they are told that they can apply for a Russian passport and citizenship. However, he died in the conflict zone,” said Mohd Imran, brother of Afsan.

The agents, according to reliable sources, get a handsome commission for their services. The police had registered a case against some persons, including a YouTuber who lured Indians into working for the Russian Army.

Meanwhile, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi sought intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs to rescue Mohammed Ahmed in Russia and ensure his safe return to the city.