A 30-year-old man from Telangana, who was tricked in joining the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, was killed on the frontlines. According to a report by the Indian Express, the man has been identified as Mohammed Afsan. He had spoken with his family earlier this week. The family, which lives in Hyderabad, said that Afsan was duped and was made to join the war even as he believed that he had applied and will work as a ‘helper’ at the offices of Russian government. Mohammed Imran, Afsan’s brother, said that the recruitment agent had said that Afsan will work in Moscow only.
Afsan’s last video call from the Russia-Ukraine border was made on December 31st. “Since then, we have had no communication with him; we recently found out that he has injured his leg. We appeal to the Centre to intervene and facilitate their evacuation,” he had stated.
Afsan had been employed as a salesman at a clothing store when he stumbled upon the job opportunity in Moscow. “Like other young individuals, he was promised a starting salary of Rs 45,000 per month for the initial three months, with increments up to Rs 1.5 lakh. After a year of employment, he could even apply for Russian passport and citizenship. It seemed like a lucrative offer, and unfortunately, they fell for it. Afsan departed for Moscow on November 9th,” Imran explained.