Overview
- Sachin Khajuria’s remains, returned to his village and cremated Sunday, followed DNA confirmation that he died days after being sent to the Ukraine front in September 2025.
- Khajuria had gone to Russia on a student visa in August 2025, was promised a non-combat “helper” job, signed a contract in Russian, underwent brief training, and was then deployed to the front.
- Indian officials now count 32 citizens killed while serving with Russian forces, with 214 believed recruited, 135 released, and 35 active cases being pursued for discharge, according to a Tuesday Hindustan Times report.
- Families from Jammu describe a common pattern involving local and women agents, high pay offers, and missing contracts, and they say embassy help has been slow as they seek documents and compensation.
- Other Jammu cases include Manjinder Singh’s repatriation in February, Sumeet Sharma missing since September, and Atul Sharma’s return, with local leaders citing high youth joblessness as a driver and warning of a recruiting racket.