In a dramatic turnaround, three families in Kalaburagi experienced a mix of deep sorrow and relief as their children, who had been stranded in Russia for nine months, returned home safely on Friday. The youths, who had been working in the war zone along the Russia-Ukraine border, were initially recruited as security guards through agents with promises of high salaries.
Syed Nawaz Ali, a head constable at Madbool police station, welcomed his son Syed Iliyas Hussaini, along with Abdul Nayeem, Sameer Ahmed of Kalaburagi, and Mohammed Sufiyan from Narayanpet, Telangana. The four were forced into a conflict zone after traveling to Russia under the guise of security jobs.
Their plight, highlighted by a viral video appealing for help, led to extensive efforts by local and national officials. Ali and his family reached out to the then SP, Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, and MPs, including Dr. Umesh Jadhav and Mallikarjun Kharge, who applied pressure on the Union government for their rescue. Diplomatic intervention by Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi eventually secured their return.
On Sunday, the returning youths were felicitated by DC Taranum, marking a joyful end to a harrowing ordeal.
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