A 22-year-old Indian student, Sahil Majyoti from Gujarat, has reportedly become the first citizen of India detained in connection with the Ukraine war for allegedly fighting to evade Russian prison sentences.
Majyoti was captured by Ukrainian forces and appeared in a video that gained significant attention on social media this week. According to Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, he claimed he had been wrongfully implicated in a drug case back in April of the previous year and stated that his mother opted to join the Russian army in exchange for his freedom, as reported by the BBC.
Details suggest that Majyoti moved to Russia in January 2024 to pursue studies, first completing a language course in St. Petersburg before relocating to Moscow for university. He also took up a job as a delivery worker in the kitchenware sector.
In April 2024, his mother, Hasina Majyoti, alleged that drugs were unlawfully placed in a package meant for him while he was working. This event led to his arrest; he spent six months in a Russian prison before being sentenced to seven years. Although the family secured legal representation, they lost contact with the lawyer shortly after.
Hasina Majyoti recounted, “Police found him with the drugs and pressed charges.” In a short video clip shared by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, Majyoti indicated he was faced with a grim choice: serve in the Russian army or face prolonged incarceration.
However, the specifics regarding the video’s filming date or location remain unclear.
Hasina noted, “I was unaware of how he ended up in Ukraine. I learned of it through a viral video.” Majyoti mentioned he was promised payments between 100,000 rubles and over a million for his military service, yet claimed he did not receive any money.
After just 15 days of basic training in September 2024, he alleges he was thrust onto the front lines, and by October 1—his first day of deployment—he asserts he departed from his Russian unit following a dispute with a superior. Subsequently, he encountered a Ukrainian military position and called for assistance.
Following the video’s widespread circulation, authorities in Gujarat’s anti-terrorism squad began questioning his family. Indian ATS officials have confirmed details regarding his arrest and detention in Russia to various media outlets.
This incident has raised alarms about the recruitment of young Indians into the Russian military, leading to community concerns. A local leader, Kassam Sumra, voiced, “Countless youth like him are becoming ensnared in this conflict.” He urged the government to facilitate the return of Sahil and other young Indians seeking employment abroad.
A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not provided a response to inquiries regarding the matter.
