New Delhi [India], March 8 (HBTV): Several Indian nationals have been "duped" to work with the Russian Army, stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, adding that the Indian government has taken a strong stance on the matter, urging the Russian government for the early discharge of the individuals.
The MEA stated that action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who are involved in recruiting Indian nationals on false pretexts.
Addressing the issue, the ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Several Indian nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises."
Jaiswal said the Central Bureau of Investigation had recently busted a major human trafficking network after conducting searches in various cities and gathering incriminating evidence.
The spokesperson also confirmed that a case of human trafficking has been registered against multiple agents involved in the illicit recruitment.
"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," Jaiswal said.
Expressing concern for the well-being of the affected individuals, Jaiswal appealed to Indian nationals, "to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army".
He emphasized the inherent danger and risk to life associated with such arrangements.
"We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home," Jaiswal said.
The spokesperson said approximately 20 individuals have reached out to the MEA seeking assistance, and efforts are underway to locate and help them.
The MEA is in continuous communication with Russian authorities, pressing for the swift release and discharge of the duped Indian nationals, he said.
On Thursday, the CBI busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone. The central agency is conducting simultaneous searches at around 13 locations in Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai.
(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.