In a harrowing tale of deception and desperation, a 31-year-old man from Jalandhar finds himself caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine war after being allegedly lured by false promises of employment.
Lovepreet Singh, who left India in December with dreams of a better future, now communicates with his family through broken voice messages and desperate pleas for help from an active war zone.
The Deceptive Journey
According to his brother Manpreet Singh, Lovepreet was approached by agents promising high-paying security guard jobs in Russia with attractive salaries ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹90,000. The family paid approximately ₹2 lakh for what they believed was a legitimate opportunity.
"He left on December 27 last year, first going to Dubai, then to Armenia, and finally to Russia," Manpreet revealed. "We never imagined he would end up in a war zone."
Trapped in Conflict
The nightmare began when Lovepreet and other Indian nationals were transported to a military camp near the Ukrainian border. His last known location was Rostov, dangerously close to the ongoing conflict areas.
In his communications home, Lovepreet described being surrounded by bombings and gunfire, with limited access to food and essential supplies. The situation has left the family in Chandigarh and Jalandhar in a state of constant anxiety.
Family's Desperate Appeal
The Singh family has approached multiple authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Punjab Police, and the Embassy of India in Moscow. They've submitted formal complaints and documented evidence of the fraudulent recruitment.
"We request the Indian government to bring my brother back safely," Manpreet pleaded. "We are living in fear every moment, not knowing if he's safe or even alive."
Government Response
While officials have acknowledged receiving the complaint, the complex geopolitical situation and the dangerous location have made rescue operations challenging. The case highlights the growing concern of Indian citizens being trafficked to conflict zones under false pretenses.
The Ministry of External Affairs has previously issued advisories warning Indian nationals against falling for fake job offers in conflict-affected regions.
A Warning to Others
This incident serves as a stark reminder for job seekers to thoroughly verify overseas employment opportunities through official channels. The family hopes their ordeal will prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
As the international community watches the Russia-Ukraine conflict unfold, families like the Singhs wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, hoping for a safe return against all odds.
