A young Indian man from Gujarat, allegedly forced to fight for Russia after being jailed there, is now a prisoner of war in Ukraine and has sent a desperate video appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for help.
From Student to Prisoner of War: Sahil's Harrowing Journey
Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a 23-year-old resident of Morbi's Kalika Plot area, travelled to Russia for higher studies on 10 January 2024. His situation deteriorated rapidly when he reportedly got entangled in a police case. He was sentenced to seven years in a Russian jail in a narcotics case.
In a state of desperation while incarcerated, Sahil claims he was misled by Russian police. "Misled by Russian police, I signed the war contract in prison to fight the war for Russia, which is the biggest mistake in my life," he stated in a video message. He clarified that he only signed the military contract to escape the Russian jail.
This decision led him to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In October, Ukrainian authorities released a video showing his surrender. He is now held in a Ukrainian military jail, labelled a war criminal.
A Desperate SOS Video to India
On Sunday night, Sahil's family in Morbi received two video messages—one in English and one in Hindi—reportedly shared by Ukrainian authorities. In the emotional clips, a distressed Sahil appeals directly to the highest levels of the Indian government.
"I appeal to the Indian government, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and S Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs), if possible, please help. That's all," he pleads. He expresses his hopelessness about the future, stating, "I am hopeless, I don't know what will happen in future."
He also made a specific reference to recent diplomatic events, indicating the video's recency. "Now I know about (Vladimir) Putin coming to India to meet my government. Also I want to tell my government to have a conversation with Vladimir Putin to help me return home," he said, alluding to the Russian President's visit to India on December 4 and 5.
A Stark Warning and Legal Protections
Turning his ordeal into a cautionary tale, Sahil issued a direct warning to fellow Indians. He urged those planning to go to Russia for studies or work to "be careful because there are so many scammers here. You may be trapped in criminal cases, narcotics cases, illegal cases, so take care of yourself. As far as possible, stay away from all this."
His video message reportedly carried the "I Want to Live" logo, which is a Ukrainian government project designed to encourage Russian soldiers to surrender voluntarily.
As a prisoner of war (POW), Sahil's treatment is governed by the Geneva Conventions. These international laws mandate:
- Humane Treatment: POWs must be treated with dignity and respect, free from violence, torture, and cruel treatment.
- Protection from Hostilities: They cannot be forced to participate in further hostilities.
- Adequate Medical Care: They must receive necessary medical attention.
- Proper Confinement Conditions: They must be held in conditions that ensure their physical and mental well-being.
- Evacuation from Combat Zones: POWs should be moved to camps away from fighting for their safety.
The case highlights the complex dangers faced by Indian citizens abroad in conflict zones and underscores the urgent need for diplomatic intervention. The Indian government is yet to make a public statement regarding this specific appeal.
