Indian student allegedly fighting for Russia captured by Ukrainian forces

Ukraine has captured an Indian national allegedly fighting for Russian forces, the first Indian known to be arrested in the ongoing war.

Sahil Majothi, 22, from the Indian state of Gujarat, went to Russia two years ago to study computer engineering. His mother claims he was falsely accused in a drug case last April.

Mr. Majothi joined the Russian army to avoid prison time on drug charges, according to a video released by the Ukrainian military on Tuesday.

India’s foreign ministry said it was investigating the incident and had not received any official communication from Ukraine. The BBC requested a response from the Russian government.

Mr Majothi’s mother, Hasina Majothi, said in an interview with BBC Gujarati that her son went to Russia in January 2024.

He completed a three-month language course in St Petersburg before moving to Moscow for university, earning a living part-time as a kitchenware courier.

He alleges that in April 2024, someone placed drugs in a package delivered to Mr Majothi at the time of delivery.

“The police caught him with this and charged him,” Ms. Hasina said.

According to Ms. Hasina, her son was taken into custody, detained for six months and later sentenced to seven years in prison. The family hired a private lawyer in Russia to defend him, but they had no idea when or how he was drafted.

“I don’t know how he came to Ukraine. I only learned about it through the viral video,” Ms. Hasina said.

inside Video released by the 63rd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armyMr Majothi is heard saying that in return for his service he was given a choice between joining the Russian army or being imprisoned.

He said he was told he would do one year of military service before he was released.

Mr. Majothi claims that different people promised him amounts of money ranging from one hundred thousand to one million rubles, but he received no payment.

He says he trained for 15 days in September 2024 and was sent to the battlefield a year later on September 30.

The next day, October 1, Mr. Majothi said he argued with his commander and then walked away from the Russian soldiers. He added that he came across a Ukrainian shelter at that time and asked for their help.

The BBC cannot independently verify the date or location of the video in which he makes these claims.

On Wednesday, after the video went viral, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) interrogated Ms. Hasina and her brother in Ahmedabad. Relatives said that he separated from his wife after the birth of his son and that he supported his family as a tailor while living with his maternal relatives.

ATS officials confirmed that Mr Majothi was arrested and subsequently detained in Russia. They said the family claimed to have had no contact with him since his arrest.

Teachers at his former school in Morbi described Mr Majothi as an “average student” but was deeply motivated to realize his mother’s dreams through education. They spoke on condition of anonymity.

Local community leaders also called on the government to intervene and secure his return.

“Many young men like him were trapped and dragged into the war,” said Kasam Sumra. “We appeal to the government to bring back Sahil and other young Indians who have gone abroad in search of work.”

Mr. Majothi’s arrest comes at a time when concerns are growing about the recruitment of Indians into the Russian army. Reports They say more than 150 Indians, some on student or visitor visas, have joined the military. At least 12 people died in the clashes and 16 people are still missing.

In September, Indian officials called on Moscow to release 27 Indian nationals recruited into the army and repatriate them.

The Indian government has consistently advised its citizens not to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Once again, we strongly advise all Indian citizens to stay away from offers to serve in the Russian army as it carries danger and risk to life,” a spokesperson for India’s foreign ministry said in a statement last month. he said.

Additional reporting by Roxy Gagdekar Chhara in Ahmedabad and Nikita Yadav in Delhi

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