The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into the case of Indian citizens being coerced into fighting as mercenaries in Ukraine.
Recently, a key development occurred as the top investigative agency recorded a statement from a close relative of a Kashmiri youth who sustained injuries in the conflict in Russia’s Ukraine war.
Hailing from Kashmir, it is believed that Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Tangdar, shared a photo on Facebook allegedly depicting him as a mercenary in a Russian city back in December 2023.
His current whereabouts are unknown, marking him as missing.
Media reports indicate that CBI officials have engaged with the brother of Azad Yousuf Kumhar, who entered Russia via Dubai and was subsequently pressed into service as a surrogate soldier.
The situation in Kashmir now involves two individuals stationed on the frontlines in Russia, with one person from Tangdar whose location remains unconfirmed.
These individuals are part of a group of 12 who were deceived into the conflict while seeking improved livelihood opportunities.
Sajad Ahmed, the brother of Kumar, has provided details surrounding his sibling’s departure and subsequent entrapment in human trafficking for military purposes.
The CBI has already made strides in dismantling the human trafficking network responsible for ensnaring Indian youth into the conflict zone, implicating facilitators both domestically and internationally.
Azad, an engineering graduate, initially journeyed to Dubai for a promised job advertised by a YouTuber. However, upon arrival, he was swiftly transported to Russia, underwent a brief military training period of 15 days, and was then deployed to the war zone.
Despite the danger he faces on the frontlines, his family maintains communication with him, as he repeatedly expresses the constant peril he endures.