Indian Student Joins Russian Army to Escape Legal Troubles, Claims Mother

An Indian student, Sahil Majothi, has been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting for the Russian army. His mother claims he joined the military to avoid being imprisoned for a drug-related charge he was facing in Russia.

The 22-year-old from Gujarat had moved to Russia in January 2024 to study computer engineering. According to his mother, Hasina Majothi, Sahil was wrongfully accused of drug trafficking after drugs were reportedly planted in a package he was delivering.

After being detained by the Russian police for six months and facing a seven-year prison sentence, Sahil was coerced into enlisting in the Russian military as a way to avoid jail time, as reported in a video released by Ukrainian forces.

In this video, Sahil described his experience, stating he was promised money and a quick release after a year of service. His family claims they had lost contact with him since his arrest.

Local authorities in Gujarat are engaging with the case and have appealed to the Indian government to assist in repatriating Sahil. The case raises alarms about the ongoing recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian military amid the conflict, with fears growing as more young Indians get entangled in the war.

Indian officials have continuously warned citizens against joining foreign militaries, emphasizing the dangers involved.