Jammu, April 6: A 23-year-old youth from Jammu has died in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, marking the second fatality from the region in recent weeks and raising fresh concerns over the alleged recruitment of Indian nationals into war zones under misleading promises.
The deceased, identified as Sachin Khajuria, a resident of Pallanwala in Jammu district, had travelled to Russia on a student visa in pursuit of educational opportunities. However, family members allege that he was later drawn into employment under the assurance of a non-combat support role but was eventually deployed to active conflict areas. His mortal remains were brought back to Jammu on Sunday, leaving relatives and local residents in deep mourning.
According to family sources, Khajuria initially intended to continue his studies abroad but later accepted work after being promised duties related to logistics and bunker support. They claim he was misinformed about the nature of the job and ultimately sent to frontline positions.
The tragedy follows the earlier death of another youth from the region, Manjinder Singh, aged 24, from Gowana village in the RS Pura sector of Jammu, whose body was repatriated in February this year under similar circumstances.
Relatives of Singh said he had travelled to Russia in December 2024 on a student visa with hopes of pursuing higher education while supporting his family financially. During his stay, he reportedly came into contact with agents who offered lucrative job opportunities, promising high salaries and non-combat duties. However, he later joined the Russian Army, underwent brief training, and was deployed to a conflict zone. His last contact with family members was reported in August 2025, and he was subsequently declared dead in January this year during hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
Due to the ongoing fighting, the recovery of his body was delayed and it was eventually repatriated after preservation procedures were completed.
These back-to-back incidents have heightened anxiety among families and community representatives, who allege that several Indian youths have been targeted through deceptive job offers promising high earnings and safe roles abroad. Many have called for stricter monitoring of recruitment networks and greater awareness among young people seeking overseas employment.
Local leaders have urged the Government of India to take firm diplomatic steps to safeguard citizens and ensure the safe return of those still stranded in conflict zones. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs have stated that efforts are ongoing to secure the discharge and repatriation of Indian nationals and to facilitate the return of mortal remains in confirmed cases of death
