Ahmedabad: Hemil Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, an Indian youth of Surat in Gujarat, died in the war front amid the ongoing Russia Ukraine war. It is believed that he was employed with the Russian Army. However, unconfirmed sources said he was tricked into joining Wagner’s Army.
Prior to his untimely demise, he had a poignant two-hour conversation with his family.
As reported by the Times of India, Atul Mangukiya, a relative, contacted Hemil’s father on February 23 to convey the news of his son’s death. Despite initial disbelief, subsequent investigations confirmed Hemil’s demise on February 25 amidst the Russia Ukraine war.
Atul Mangukiya shared, “Hemil departed for Russia from Chennai on December 14, lured by a job opportunity he discovered on a social network, supposedly as an assistant in the Russian army. Acting upon the directives of agents affiliated with the Russian company, he ventured to Russia. Last month, his bank account reflected a substantial salary of Rs 2.3 lakh.”
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Recounting Hemil’s routine communication with his family, Atul said, “Hemil used to connect with his loved ones daily. Even in his final hours, he conversed with family members for two hours, reassuring them of his well-being. Tragically, he passed away shortly after this call.”
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The bereaved family appealed to the Indian government to liaise with the Russian authorities to obtain comprehensive details regarding Hemil’s demise. Authorities note that Hemil travelled to Russia on a standard visa, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his deployment. Typically, work visas are granted to individuals employed abroad, yet the specifics remain unclear.
Efforts to rescue individuals trapped in Russia continue
On February 23, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the situation, stating, “We have been informed about this matter. Several Indians had entered into agreements to serve as support personnel in the Russian military. The Indian embassy is actively engaging with Russian authorities on this matter, striving to expedite their safe return. Presently, we urge all Indians to exercise caution and refrain from involvement in conflict zones.”
