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Telanganas Sufiyan Escapes Russian Captivity
Telangana’s Mohd Sufiyan Returns Home Safely
After enduring an eight-month-long ordeal, Mohammad Sufiyan, a 22-year-old from Narayanpet district in Telangana, has safely returned to India. His harrowing experience involved being held captive by a private Russian army while being misled into participating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sufiyan, along with three young men from Karnataka, were victims of a fraudulent agent who promised them job opportunities abroad but instead, unwittingly sent them to a war zone.
A Job Scam Leads to a Nightmare
Sufiyan’s journey began in December 2023, when he and several others were lured by the false promises of a Mumbai-based agent. The agent had promised them jobs as security personnel or helpers in Russia, but upon their arrival, the situation drastically changed. Instead of the peaceful employment they were expecting, Sufiyan and his companions found themselves forcibly recruited into a private Russian army, caught in the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Sufiyan, at least 60 Indian youths have fallen prey to this job scam, with many still stranded abroad. The fraudulent agent targeted vulnerable individuals seeking employment opportunities, promising them high-paying jobs in Russia. Unfortunately, these promises quickly turned into a nightmare as they were thrust into a war they had no intention of joining.
Return Brings Relief to Family
After months of captivity, Sufiyan finally returned to Hyderabad, arriving at Shamshabad Airport. His family, who had been anxiously waiting for his return, expressed immense relief at his safe arrival. The situation gained widespread attention seven months earlier when a video of Sufiyan surfaced, showing him pleading to be rescued from the war-torn Russia-Ukraine border.
Sufiyan was part of a group of nine individuals misled by the same agent. Sadly, not all of them survived the ordeal. One of the youths from Hyderabad, named Afridi, tragically lost his life during their captivity.
Treated Like Slaves
Sufiyan described the harrowing conditions they faced while being held captive. They were forced to work in grueling conditions, with 15-hour shifts and no breaks. He recounted how they were treated like slaves, subjected to physical and mental strain as they were made to perform labor-intensive tasks.
Among the most distressing experiences was their forced involvement in military operations. Sufiyan and his companions were made to dig trenches and operate dangerous weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles (AK-12 and AK-74) and grenades. They had no formal training or prior experience with these weapons, which added to the fear and uncertainty they faced daily.
Tragic Losses in the Conflict
The dangers of the conflict were all too real for Sufiyan and his fellow captives. He shared the heartbreaking story of his close friend, Hamil, who was killed in a drone strike while serving alongside 24 soldiers. The group included one Indian and one Nepali soldier, both of whom were caught in the crossfire. Hamil’s death was a devastating blow to Sufiyan and the others, further underscoring the perilous situation they were trapped in.
The loss of his friend shook Sufiyan deeply and motivated him to take action. After witnessing Hamil’s death, Sufiyan and the other survivors reached out to their families, informing them of their dire circumstances. Their families, shocked and desperate for help, contacted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for assistance.
Rescue Efforts and Escape from the Conflict Zone
Upon receiving word from the families, the Indian government swiftly intervened. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar played a crucial role in coordinating their rescue from the conflict zone. Thanks to the efforts of the Indian government and international agencies, Sufiyan and his companions were eventually rescued and brought back home.
Their safe return marks the end of a long and traumatic chapter in their lives. However, the ordeal has left a lasting impact on Sufiyan and his fellow captives. The experience of being misled, held captive, and forced into a conflict they never intended to be part of has taken a toll on them physically and emotionally.
A Growing Problem: Job Scams Targeting Youths
Sufiyan’s story highlights the growing issue of job scams targeting vulnerable youths in India. The fraudulent agent responsible for sending Sufiyan and others to Russia is just one example of the larger problem of human trafficking and exploitation under the guise of employment opportunities. These agents prey on young men and women who are desperate for work, offering them false promises and leading them into dangerous situations.
The Indian government has taken note of this issue, and there is a growing need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such scams. Awareness campaigns are also necessary to educate people about the dangers of falling prey to fraudulent job offers abroad.
