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A Raipur man’s family has sought government intervention after he was allegedly jailed and pressured to join the Russian Army.
The family of 38-year-old Tilkeshwar Sahu has approached Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Raipur Police Commissioner Sanjeev Shukla, seeking his safe return to India. Sahu travelled to Russia in September after receiving a job offer through Telegram, but his relatives allege that he was detained on false charges and pressured to join the Russian military.
How Did Sahu Reach Russia?
Sahu, who worked as a store manager in Raipur, was offered a delivery agent’s job in Russia. According to his family, he was assured that his tourist visa would be converted into a work visa after his employment was confirmed. Hoping to improve his family’s financial circumstances, he left Raipur for Delhi on September 7 and travelled to Russia the following day.
He reached Moscow before flying to Volgograd, where the person who had offered him employment allegedly gave him 5,000 Russian rubles. His relatives claimed that he was subsequently pressured to sign documents indicating his consent to join the Russian military.
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What Did He Tell His Family?
Sahu’s family last spoke to him normally on September 16, after which his phone was switched off. Several days later, they received a photograph of a handwritten letter from a Russian phone number. Recognising his handwriting, relatives said the letter claimed he had been falsely implicated in a case involving illegal substances and was being forced to join the Russian Army.
After repeated requests, Sahu was permitted a five-minute video call. According to a family member, he was crying and said he was in jail. He also claimed that authorities were pressuring him to enter military service. His relatives fear the allegations against him are being used to prolong his detention.
Why Is His Family Concerned About His Health?
The family said Sahu has a thyroid condition requiring regular medication. They alleged that he had been assaulted during detention and had not received his medicines. On October 22, a Russian lawyer hired by the family informed them that Sahu had been hospitalised following an increase in his blood pressure.
His relatives have spent approximately ₹1.5 lakh on legal fees but remain uncertain about his condition and possible release. They said the continuing expenses have worsened their financial difficulties. The family has also expressed concern about the absence of regular communication and reliable information regarding his treatment.
What Action Have Authorities Taken?
On November 4, Sahu’s wife, Manorama, wrote to the Chief Minister and Raipur Police Commissioner, requesting an investigation, diplomatic intervention, legal assistance and medical care. The family also contacted the Indian and Russian embassies, approached the DGP headquarters in Naya Raipur and submitted a complaint through the Prime Minister’s grievance portal.
According to the family, the Indian Embassy replied that it was attempting to establish the facts and would provide an update, while the Russian Embassy had not responded. A senior Raipur Police official confirmed receiving the complaint and said it would be forwarded through the state home department to the Ministry of External Affairs for further action.
