Rajveer Singh, a 22-year-old from Gill Road, Ludhiana, returned to India on June 22 after being deported by Russian authorities. His dream of studying in Russia turned into a 20-day nightmare in a Russian jail over a missing residential registration document.
Arrest and Detention
Rajveer, son of a local businessman, had gone to Russia last year for higher studies. On an unspecified day, he was standing near a traffic light when a Russian police vehicle stopped. "They forced me into the vehicle and took me to the police station. Officials checked all my documents thoroughly. Everything was in order but they demanded proof of residential registration, which I lacked," Rajveer said. He had been caught twice before for verification but was released.
During a red alert from June 1 to June 10, local police targeted foreign nationals. Rajveer was caught again and shuttled between offices. A woman officer finally took him into custody.
Bribery and Jail
Rajveer said the educational institute that facilitated his admission refused to help. The fine for lacking registration was 81,000 rubles, but the woman officer demanded a bribe of 30,000 rubles for release. "When I refused, they turned aggressive, snatched my mobile phone, cash, and all belongings, and threw me into jail," he recalled. He could not call his parents for 20 days because he did not remember their number; inmates shared a basic keypad phone for two hours daily.
Refusal to Join Russian Army
In jail, Rajveer was offered an option to join the Russian Army in exchange for freedom. He refused outright. "Thanks to the swift intervention and diplomatic efforts of the Indian Embassy, I have finally returned home safely," he said. Friends pressured the embassy by sending multiple emails.
No Torture, but Tough Conditions
Rajveer said people who overstay or violate norms face torture, but he was not tortured. However, jail life was tough. He noted that earlier Indians caught by immigration were forced to join the Russian army, but now, due to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance with the Russian President, Indians are no longer forced to enlist. "The detention centre already had many Indians and people from other countries, but Indians were not asked to join the army. Others were told to join in lieu of monetary benefits and a Russian passport," he added.
