Representative image NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of 28-year-old Mandeep Kumar, Punjabi man tricked into joining Russian army, has finally reached his hometown Goraya in Jalandhar, after more than a year of waiting. He died in a drone attack while fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, after being tricked by travel agents who promised him work in Italy but instead forced him into Russian military service.His elder brother, Jagdeep Kumar, confirmed receiving Mandeep’s remains at Delhi airport on Saturday. Jagdeep discovered his brother’s fate two months ago when his DNA samples matched with one of the bodies in Russia. “I came to know about the death of my brother two months back after my DNA samples given to the Russian authorities matched with one of the bodies,” Jagdeep told PTI.This started when, Mandeep, in September 2023, along with four others, traveled to Armenia, where they were promised jobs in Italy. Instead, they were taken to Russia and forced to join its military.His brother Jagdeep made two desperate trips to Russia, in February and October 2025, spending nearly three months searching for his brother. His last conversation with Mandeep was on March 3, 2024, lasting just 17-20 seconds, during which Mandeep begged to be rescued.Making matters worse, Mandeep had a congenital leg defect but was still forced into military service and sent to the war zone.Jagdeep said that ten Indians died fighting for Russia against Ukraine – three from Punjab and seven from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He’s now demanding action against the travel agents who deceived his brother.Although, In view of such incidents, India has demanded Russia stop recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff in September last year. The government also warned its citizens about the dangers of joining the Russian military and called for the release of all Indians currently serving in Russian armed forces.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosProbe Reveals Red Fort Blast Module Used ‘Ghost’ SIM Cards For Encrypted ChatsMatter Of Deep Concern: MEA Reacts To US Strikes On Venezuela, Urges Restraint’Lunatic Rulers’: Shashi Tharoor, Singhvi, Owaisi, Other Indian Leaders On US Strikes In VenezuelaIndian Army Raises Bhairav Special Force With Over One Lakh Drone Operatives For Modern WarfareCM Revanth Reddy’s Remarks In Telangana Assembly Sparks Row, BRS Slams ‘Filthy Language’‘If Trump Can Capture Maduro, Why Can’t Modi Bring Back 26/11 Mastermind From Pakistan’: Owaisi‘Avoid All Non-Essential Travel To Venezuela’: India Issues Advisory For Citizens After US Strikes”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi123Photostories8 common Japanese words and phrases worth learningNayanthara to Tara Sutaria: Decoding first looks of ‘Toxic’s female cast – Who understood the assignment best?Vaginal health: NHS doc debunks popular myths women still believe6 places where the world’s deadliest snakes are found7 fascinating creatures with blue-coloured bloodJay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij: Tracing the former couple’s journey from love to amicable separationVaishno Devi Yatra 2025–26: RFID card rules, smart lockers, helpline numbers and helicopter fare revisionRelief for Pune commuters: Double-decker flyover at SPPU Chowk nears completion; Metro Line-3 trial beginsThe right daily walking distance to improve fitness, according to researchMorning or evening, when is the right time to consume magnesium supplement123Hot PicksUS strikes VenezuelaVande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayDelcy RodríguezVivek RamaswamyBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Representative image NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of 28-year-old Mandeep Kumar, Punjabi man tricked into joining Russian army, has finally reached his hometown Goraya in Jalandhar, after more than a year of waiting. He died in a drone attack while fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, after being tricked by travel agents who promised him work in Italy but instead forced him into Russian military service.His elder brother, Jagdeep Kumar, confirmed receiving Mandeep’s remains at Delhi airport on Saturday. Jagdeep discovered his brother’s fate two months ago when his DNA samples matched with one of the bodies in Russia. “I came to know about the death of my brother two months back after my DNA samples given to the Russian authorities matched with one of the bodies,” Jagdeep told PTI.This started when, Mandeep, in September 2023, along with four others, traveled to Armenia, where they were promised jobs in Italy. Instead, they were taken to Russia and forced to join its military.His brother Jagdeep made two desperate trips to Russia, in February and October 2025, spending nearly three months searching for his brother. His last conversation with Mandeep was on March 3, 2024, lasting just 17-20 seconds, during which Mandeep begged to be rescued.Making matters worse, Mandeep had a congenital leg defect but was still forced into military service and sent to the war zone.Jagdeep said that ten Indians died fighting for Russia against Ukraine – three from Punjab and seven from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He’s now demanding action against the travel agents who deceived his brother.Although, In view of such incidents, India has demanded Russia stop recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff in September last year. The government also warned its citizens about the dangers of joining the Russian military and called for the release of all Indians currently serving in Russian armed forces.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosProbe Reveals Red Fort Blast Module Used ‘Ghost’ SIM Cards For Encrypted ChatsMatter Of Deep Concern: MEA Reacts To US Strikes On Venezuela, Urges Restraint’Lunatic Rulers’: Shashi Tharoor, Singhvi, Owaisi, Other Indian Leaders On US Strikes In VenezuelaIndian Army Raises Bhairav Special Force With Over One Lakh Drone Operatives For Modern WarfareCM Revanth Reddy’s Remarks In Telangana Assembly Sparks Row, BRS Slams ‘Filthy Language’‘If Trump Can Capture Maduro, Why Can’t Modi Bring Back 26/11 Mastermind From Pakistan’: Owaisi‘Avoid All Non-Essential Travel To Venezuela’: India Issues Advisory For Citizens After US Strikes”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam VisitInqilab Moncho To March Nationwide Seeking Justice For Sharif Osman Hadi123Photostories8 common Japanese words and phrases worth learningNayanthara to Tara Sutaria: Decoding first looks of ‘Toxic’s female cast – Who understood the assignment best?Vaginal health: NHS doc debunks popular myths women still believe6 places where the world’s deadliest snakes are found7 fascinating creatures with blue-coloured bloodJay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij: Tracing the former couple’s journey from love to amicable separationVaishno Devi Yatra 2025–26: RFID card rules, smart lockers, helpline numbers and helicopter fare revisionRelief for Pune commuters: Double-decker flyover at SPPU Chowk nears completion; Metro Line-3 trial beginsThe right daily walking distance to improve fitness, according to researchMorning or evening, when is the right time to consume magnesium supplement123Hot PicksUS strikes VenezuelaVande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayDelcy RodríguezVivek RamaswamyBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk


Year-long wait: Punjab man’s body brought home after death in Ukraine war; was tricked to join Russian army

NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of 28-year-old Mandeep Kumar, Punjabi man tricked into joining Russian army, has finally reached his hometown Goraya in Jalandhar, after more than a year of waiting. He died in a drone attack while fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, after being tricked by travel agents who promised him work in Italy but instead forced him into Russian military service.His elder brother, Jagdeep Kumar, confirmed receiving Mandeep’s remains at Delhi airport on Saturday. Jagdeep discovered his brother’s fate two months ago when his DNA samples matched with one of the bodies in Russia. “I came to know about the death of my brother two months back after my DNA samples given to the Russian authorities matched with one of the bodies,” Jagdeep told PTI.This started when, Mandeep, in September 2023, along with four others, traveled to Armenia, where they were promised jobs in Italy. Instead, they were taken to Russia and forced to join its military.His brother Jagdeep made two desperate trips to Russia, in February and October 2025, spending nearly three months searching for his brother. His last conversation with Mandeep was on March 3, 2024, lasting just 17-20 seconds, during which Mandeep begged to be rescued.Making matters worse, Mandeep had a congenital leg defect but was still forced into military service and sent to the war zone.Jagdeep said that ten Indians died fighting for Russia against Ukraine – three from Punjab and seven from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He’s now demanding action against the travel agents who deceived his brother.Although, In view of such incidents, India has demanded Russia stop recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff in September last year. The government also warned its citizens about the dangers of joining the Russian military and called for the release of all Indians currently serving in Russian armed forces.



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