Raipur man went to Russia for job and landed in jail. Now family writes to CM, police for help

In September, 38-year-old Tikeshwar Sahu from Raipur embarked on a journey to Russia, lured by a job offer shared via Telegram. The job was to be a delivery agent, with the promise of a work visa upon acceptance. Sahu's motivation was clear: to secure a better life for his wife, two children, and aging parents. However, his journey took a dark turn when he found himself behind bars, accused of illicit activities and coerced into joining the Russian military in its conflict with Ukraine.

Sahu's wife, Manorama, wrote to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and the Raipur Police Commissioner on November 4, requesting a thorough investigation, diplomatic intervention, legal aid, medical care, and his safe return to India. Sahu's ordeal echoes another case from Chhattisgarh, where 21-year-old Vineet Kumar Dubey also traveled to Russia on a tourist visa after receiving a job offer through Telegram.

Both families lamented that their loved ones were not adequately informed about the nature of the work before departing India.

According to a police source, the Raipur Police Commissionerate received Sahu's complaint and would forward it to the state home department and the Ministry of External Affairs for further action. However, Sahu's family last heard from him on September 16, and his phone service was subsequently cut off. Initially, they thought he was facing network issues due to the ongoing war.

Later, they received a picture of a handwritten letter from Sahu, who claimed he was being falsely accused of possessing illegal substances and forced to enlist in the Russian military.

Sahu, who worked as a store manager in Raipur, was promised a lucrative delivery agent position in Russia. His family alleged that he was pressured into signing documents consenting to join the Russian military. The family expressed concern for Sahu's health, particularly his thyroid condition, which he manages with medication. They claim he was denied his medication and allegedly assaulted during his detention.

The family hired a lawyer in Russia, incurring a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh, to secure his release. However, they have not received a clear update on his condition or when he might be freed.