Numerous Indians have fallen victim to deceitful agents who have ensnared them into fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with tragic consequences such as the reported death of Hemal Ashwinbhai from Gujarat in a missile strike.

According to reports, Hemal had been stationed near Ukraine's border and maintained sporadic contact with his family until the fatal attack. His demise has sparked distress among families of other misled individuals, who are now pleading with the Indian government for their safe return.

These men, aged between 22 and 31, were purportedly recruited under false pretenses, initially hired as "helpers" in Russia but ultimately coerced into combat roles in Ukraine. Families reveal their loved ones were promised lucrative salaries and Russian citizenship, with fees ranging from 300,000 to 1.2 million rupees.

Videos circulating online feature some of these victims detailing their deception, highlighting the vulnerability of impoverished families targeted by unscrupulous agents. The victims, predominantly from humble backgrounds such as tuk-tuk drivers and tea sellers, were enticed by the prospect of financial stability.

One distraught father shared how his son, enticed by the promise of higher earnings, ended up embroiled in a conflict he knew nothing about. Similar stories emerge from various states across India, underscoring the widespread nature of the deception.

Despite the Indian government's acknowledgment of the situation and efforts to intervene, many individuals remain stranded, lacking the necessary combat experience and facing perilous conditions on the battlefield.

The plight of these individuals gained attention after politicians like Asaduddin Owaisi and Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about their recruitment and subsequent exploitation. This revelation has shed light on the darker aspects of the conflict, where unsuspecting individuals are manipulated into dangerous situations.

While there were initial reports of Indians volunteering to join the Ukrainian army at the onset of the war, the involvement of Indians fighting alongside Russian forces marks a disturbing turn. The complexity of the situation is further compounded by language barriers and the clandestine nature of recruitment tactics employed by agents.

Overall, the ordeal faced by these misled individuals serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the exploitation that often accompanies it. Efforts to repatriate and support these victims remain crucial in mitigating further harm and ensuring their safe return home.