Binil TB (32) and his relative Jain TK (27) from Wadakancherry, Thrissur, are reportedly being coerced into fighting for the Russian army in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In a voice message sent to their families, the men claimed that the Russian military had instructed them to prepare for combat, distributing weapons and supplies in preparation for the frontlines.
The two men are currently housed in an undisclosed location in Russian-occupied Ukraine, along with six other individuals, four of whom have already been sent to the war front. Binil and Jain are expected to leave soon. Their families are deeply concerned about their safety, particularly as neither man has military training. They were promised jobs in military support roles such as electricians, plumbers, and cooks but were reportedly scammed into joining the army under false pretenses.
While the Indian Embassy has intervened to facilitate their return, the Russian army’s refusal to cooperate has thwarted these efforts. The families have now appealed to the Indian government for assistance to rescue the men from the war zone.