Uttarakhand Man Recruited into Russian Army Dies, Family Questions Safety of Indians Abroad

The tragic death of 30-year-old Rakesh Maurya, an engineering graduate from Sitarganj in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district, after joining the Russian Army, has left his family devastated and raises critical concerns about the safety of Indian citizens abroad and the protective role of authorities.

Maurya traveled to Russia in August with intentions of pursuing higher education. According to his family, he later communicated that he had been recruited into the Russian military and was undergoing training. In September, his family lost contact with him, prompting his brother Deepu to reach out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Moscow, seeking Maurya's safe return.

Following the arrival of Maurya’s body in his hometown and subsequent cremation, his family expressed deep sorrow and disbelief at the circumstances surrounding his death. “We kept hoping he would come back. We contacted the embassy and raised the issue everywhere possible, but nothing worked. He didn’t return alive,” Deepu stated.

The family also claimed that Maurya's passport and documents were confiscated upon his arrival in Russia, preventing him from returning. Deepu questioned the authorities' response, saying, “When Russia is projected as India’s ally, how can Indian citizens be treated like this? If this is the situation in a friendly country, what will happen to Indians elsewhere?”

This incident has heightened concerns regarding Indian nationals allegedly being misled or coerced into military service in Russia amidst the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. The MEA has previously acknowledged that several Indians were recruited under misleading circumstances and that diplomatic efforts are in progress to facilitate the return of those still serving.

Officials from the district administration in Udham Singh Nagar have refrained from commenting on the situation.

Maurya's death underscores the hazards faced by Indians traveling abroad on student or employment visas and highlights the pressing need for enhanced safeguards, coordination, and timely interventions to protect citizens caught in conflict zones.