Mohammad Asfan, a 30-year-old resident of Surankote in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, has reportedly been killed in a war zone after being lured to Russia with the promise of a "security helper" job. Asfan departed India in December 2023, and his family was informed of his death by an Indian agent recently.

Asfan was allegedly recruited through social media platforms, specifically YouTube videos posted by a vlogger identified as Faisal Khan from Ghaziabad. These videos reportedly offered employment opportunities in Russia, promising a monthly salary of approximately ₹1 lakh (INR 100,000) for roles described as security helpers. However, upon arrival, Asfan was reportedly taken to a training camp and subsequently coerced into fighting in a conflict zone, believed to be Ukraine.

His family last had contact with him on March 15, 2024. The notification of his death was conveyed to the family by the agent who facilitated his travel, later confirmed through a Russian contact. Asfan's older brother, Mohammad Imran, and his mother, Zarina Begum, have appealed to the Indian government for assistance in repatriating his body.

This incident is not isolated, as reports indicate several other Indian nationals have been caught in similar circumstances after being lured to Russia for non-combat roles. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of two Indian nationals in the conflict and stated that efforts are underway with Russian authorities to secure the release and repatriation of other Indian citizens. The MEA has also issued advisories cautioning Indian nationals against falling prey to recruitment schemes for support jobs in the Russian army, which could lead to deployment in conflict zones.

  • Victim's Name: Mohammad Asfan
  • Origin: Surankote, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir
  • Departure from India: December 2023
  • Recruitment Method: Lured via YouTube videos by an agent, Faisal Khan
  • Promised Role: "Security helper" with an approximate monthly salary of ₹1 lakh
  • Actual Situation: Allegedly forced into combat in a war zone
  • Last Contact: March 15, 2024
  • Government Action: MEA has confirmed two Indian deaths in the conflict, working for repatriation and warning citizens.

The Indian embassy in Moscow has continuously urged all Indian nationals in Russia to exercise caution and avoid situations that could lead to their involvement in the ongoing conflict. The government is expected to continue its diplomatic efforts to assist Indian citizens affected by such recruitment and to facilitate the repatriation of those who have died.