Passport Seized, Forced Recruitment, and Death in the Russia–Ukraine War: The Tragic Story of Uttarakhand’s Rakesh

Russia–Ukraine war claims a promising son of Uttarakhand
The Russia–Ukraine war has now claimed the life of a promising young man from Uttarakhand’s Shaktifarm. The entire region is mourning the death of 24-year-old Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Shaktifarm in the Sitarganj Assembly constituency.
Rakesh had gone to Russia on a student visa to pursue higher education, dreaming of building a good career and improving his family’s financial condition. However, soon after reaching Russia, his circumstances took a shocking turn. According to the family, Rakesh’s visa and passport were seized upon arrival, and he was allegedly forced into the Russian army. He had informed his family over phone calls that he was being compelled against his will to wear a military uniform and undergo training.
The family alleges that Rakesh was sent to the Russia–Ukraine frontline against his wishes. Over time, his phone calls became less frequent, and eventually, he stopped answering altogether. Despite repeated appeals to officials for information about his safety, the family received no satisfactory response. Then came the heartbreaking news — Rakesh had died during the war. The report of his death devastated the entire family. His parents, siblings, and relatives were inconsolable, and the entire village was plunged into grief, remembering him as a calm, hard-working young man with dreams in his eyes.
After significant efforts, Rakesh Kumar’s mortal remains were brought back from Russia to India. From Delhi, his body was transported by road to his home in Shaktifarm, in Udham Singh Nagar district. As the ambulance reached the village, wailing relatives and neighbors gathered at the doorstep. Draped in the national flag, Rakesh’s body was offered a final farewell as villagers — men, women, and the elderly — paid their respects with tearful eyes. Everyone said the same thing: if this son, who went abroad for education, hadn’t been forced into war, he would still be alive today.
Rakesh Kumar’s last rites were performed yesterday in Shaktifarm. A large crowd joined the funeral procession, chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Rakesh Amar Rahe” as they bid farewell to their martyr son. The atmosphere turned deeply emotional as the family broke down during the cremation. His mother fainted repeatedly, while his father was unable to express his sorrow in words. Local representatives and administrative officials attended the funeral and assured the family of all possible support.
The bereaved family is now asking — who will take responsibility if young students are deceived with study visas and then forced into war? They have demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter and strict action against the networks misleading Indian youths and putting their lives at such grave risk. Rakesh’s death has not only shaken the Shaktifarm region but also raised serious questions about the safety of Indian students and workers abroad.