Mahesh Sharma
Malerkotla, July 30
A Dalit family of Kalyan village, Malerkotla, is running from pillar to post to know the fate of their son who was recruited into the Russian Army.
Septuagenarian Gurmel Singh said he had no word with his son, Budh Ram Singh, since the past four months.
He said Budh Ram was in touch with the family from December 26, 2023, to March 26, 2024. After that he could not be reached on his phone.
Having lost hope despite assurance of politicians and Moscow’s statement regarding return of Indians recruited into the Russian Army, the family has now approached the district administration.
Gurmel wrote to Deputy Commissioner Pallavi that his son Budh Ram was apprehended by soldiers in Russian territory while he was trying to enter Germany in an illegal manner. Later, he was recruited into the Russian Army, he claimed.
He stated that 27-year-old Budh Ram had left home in search of greener pastures in Bahrain five years ago. A travel agent lured him to try his luck in Germany.
“As he travelled from one place to another in an illegal manner, Russian Army caught Budh Ram and his companions. Later, they recruited them into the armed forces forcibly,” said Gurmel, adding that the family had received one month’s salary from Budh Ram.
Lakhvir Singh, brother of Budh Ram, said no politician came to support the family in difficult time.
“We have been begging MLAs and MPs to take up our issue with the Central Government but haven’t received a single positive reply so far,” said Lakhvir.
He said the family had seen a ray of hope in Russia’s statement in response to India’s call for the return of Indians recruited into their army. “Three weeks have passed since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a word with Russian President on this matter. Thus, we decided to knock on the door of the administration,” said Lakhvir, adding that Budh Ram got married before going to Bahrain.
Acknowledging the receipt of a representation from Gurmel, SDM Gurmeet Bansal said they would forward it to the NRI wing. “We will track the application and stay in touch with the family,” said Bansal.