The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that it has initiated strong action against agents and unscrupulous elements who deceitfully sent Indian nationals to Russia under the pretext of providing them with security guard jobs.
The remarks came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a ring trafficking Indians to Russia raiding over 10 locations in seven cities associated with the agents.
"Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said addressing a weekly media briefing.
He informed that India has strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for the early discharge of its nationals stuck there.
The CBI raids were conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Madurai, following which some suspects were detained for questioning, and it reportedly emerged that the number of Indians sent by these firms to Russia is 35.
Spokesperson Jaiswal said that the agency has collected incriminating evidence from the raids and a case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents.
He urged citizens to be cautious of the offers made by job agents.
"We once again appealed to Indian nationals to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian army. This is fraught with danger and risk to life."
We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian army and the eventual return home," Jaiswal added
A second Indian national, 30-year-old Mohammed Asfan from Hyderabad, died this week while serving with the Russian Army on the frontlines of the conflict with Ukraine, raising pressure on the Indian government to seek early discharge of citizens in the conflict zone.
Before Asfan, 23-year-old Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangukiya from Gujarat was killed in a Ukrainian air strike.
He had travelled to Russia last December and was serving as a “security helper” with the Russian Army at Donetsk.
Jaiswal said that the Indian authorities are in touch with the families of both victims and are trying to get their mortal remains back to India as soon as possible.
"We are in touch with the Russian authorities. The deaths happened some distance away, in areas far away from the capital, so there are certain procedures to be followed. We are doing that and doing our best to bring back the mortal remains," Jaiswal said.
Priority given to development of border villages in North Eastern states: Union MoS Dr. L Murugan
The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L Murugan on Thursday arrived here at Agartala on a two-day visit to the state and laid emphasis on proper implementation of the flagship programmes of the Prime Minister.
MHA sanctioned another Tripura State Rifles battalion: CM Saha
An official of the Tripura Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the decision to create another TSR battalion was taken based on Chief Minister Manik Saha's proposal placed before Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent meeting in New Delhi.
CM Dr Manik Saha seeks support from DoNER ministry for AIMS in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday attended the second meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Investment Promotion in the North Eastern Region chaired by the DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and sought support of the ministry for establishment of AIMS in Tripura.
Man held with stealing gold worth Rs 1 lakh while selling in jewelry shop
Alertness by a local jeweller and swift police action led to the arrest of a 24‑year‑old man who tried to sell stolen ornaments at SB Jewellers opposite Kali Bari in Bishramganj Madhya Bazar on Thursday afternoon.
Man found hanging in abandoned office
A sense of deep sorrow has gripped the Madhuban Jharjharia area under Amtali after the lifeless body of a young man was recovered from an abandoned building near the local electricity office on Thursday afternoon.
State making steady progress across all sectors: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that solving the basic problems of the people is one of the goals of the present government and Tripura is moving forward in all areas including health, education and sports.
State Cabinet passes resolution congratulating PM Modi, armed forces for success of 'Operation Sindoor'
The Tripura State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Armed Forces for the successful execution of the anti-militancy mission, Operation Sindoor.
Maulana Azad National Urdu University cancels MoU with Turkish institute
Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey in the wake of Turkey's support to Pakistan in the recent Indo-Pak conflict following the terror attack at Pahalgam.