'Several Indian nationals duped to work in Russian Army', New Delhi says strong action taken
India's MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (March 8) said that several Indian nationals were "duped" to work with the Russian Army adding that the government has taken strong action on the matter and has urged Moscow for their early release.
The MEA further said that the government has also initiated action against the agents who recruited the Indian nationals on false pretexts.
"Several Indian Nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said.
He mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches in various cities and after gathering incriminating evidence, busted a major human trafficking network.
Jaiswal additionally confirmed that a case of human trafficking was registered against several agents who were involved in the unlawful hiring.
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"The CBI yesterday busted a major human trafficking network, conducting searches in several cities and collecting incriminating evidence. A case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents," the spokesperson said.
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He then expressed concerns for the well-being of the ones affected and appealed to Indian nationals, "to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army".
"We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home," assured Jaiswal.
Twenty individuals reach out to MEA for help
Twenty individuals he said had reached out to MEA seeking help and the government was making efforts to trace their location and provide assistance.
He added that the MEA is in constant contact with Russian authorities, advocating for the quick release and discharge of the duped Indian nationals, he further stated.
The CBI on Thursday (March 7) busted a major human trafficking network that was running across the country where agents targetted Indian nationals and sent them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone in the pretext of lucrative jobs abroad.
(With inputs from agencies)