Kerala man dies in Ukraine, Centre reiterates demand for release of Indians from Russian army

The Centre on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the immediate release of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military. This came after a citizen from Kerala who was recruited by the Russian Army recently died in Ukraine.

“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army,” said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.”

The deceased, identified in media reports as Binil Babu, 31, from Kuttanellur in Thrissur district, is the tenth Indian national reportedly killed in Russia’s war on Ukraine, reported the Hindustan Times.

The deaths have heightened concerns about Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military, often as support staff such as cooks and helpers. New Delhi contends that many were duped by unscrupulous agents.

The Indian embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families of both men and “all possible assistance is being rendered,” Jaiswal said. He added that the government is working with Russian authorities for “early transportation of the mortal remains to India” and has “sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person”.

The External Affairs Ministry confirmed that the matter…

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