A man from Goraya in Punjab's Jalandhar district is preparing to stage a protest, demanding immediate action from the Indian government after his younger brother was killed while fighting on the frontlines in Russia. The tragic incident has left the family devastated and seeking answers.
A Brother's Grief Turns Into Protest
Hemant Singh, a resident of Goraya, has announced his intention to hold a dharna (sit-in protest). His younger brother, 23-year-old Gagandeep Singh, also known as Sonu, lost his life in the conflict zone. Gagandeep had been working as a security guard in Dubai before being recruited for the Russian military.
The family received the devastating news of his death on February 21, 2024. According to Hemant, his brother was allegedly forced to the frontline in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and was killed there. The family's primary demands are clear: they want the Indian government to take strong action against the agents responsible for this recruitment and to ensure the swift repatriation of Gagandeep's body to India.
The Tragic Journey from Dubai to the Warfront
Details emerging from the family paint a troubling picture. Gagandeep Singh had gone to Dubai in search of employment and was working there. He was reportedly lured by agents with the promise of a lucrative job as a 'security helper' in Russia. However, upon reaching Russia, the situation changed drastically.
"He was forced to join the Russian army and sent to the Ukraine war front," Hemant Singh stated, highlighting the alleged deception. The family claims they were completely unaware of his dangerous situation until it was too late. The loss is particularly painful as Gagandeep was the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his parents.
Demands for Justice and Government Intervention
Frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of concrete action, Hemant Singh is taking his plea to the public sphere. The planned dharna is a direct call for authorities to intervene. The family's demands are twofold and urgent.
Firstly, they are seeking legal action against the agents and agencies that facilitated Gagandeep's travel to Russia under false pretenses. Secondly, and most pressingly, they plead with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian government to secure the return of Gagandeep's mortal remains so they can perform the last rites with dignity.
This case adds to a growing number of similar incidents where Indian nationals, often seeking better employment opportunities abroad, have been allegedly tricked into participating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The tragedy underscores the perils of unregulated overseas recruitment and the desperate measures some individuals are forced to consider.
The impending protest in Goraya is a stark reminder of the human cost of such exploitation and the pressing need for diplomatic and legal measures to protect Indian citizens from such fatal traps.
