An Indian student has become the first known national from his country to be detained in the Ukraine War after he was allegedly strong-armed into fighting for Russia to dodge a prison sentence, according to reports.
Sahil Majothi, a 22-year-old from Gujarat, was captured by Ukrainian forces and featured in a viral video posted to Facebook this week by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, where he claimed he joined the Russian army in exchange for freedom after he was allegedly framed in a drug case last April, his mother told BBC News.
Sahil Majothi was featured in a viral video posted to Facebook this week by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, where he claimed he joined the Russian army in exchange for freedom. Ukranian Army Facebook
Majothi reportedly moved to Russia in January 2024, completed a language course in St. Petersburg, and then relocated to Moscow for college, the outlet reported.
While studying, he also worked as a kitchenware courier in Moscow.
In April 2024, his mother, Hasina Majothi, claims someone slipped drugs into a package while he was on a delivery run.
The young student was then arrested and held for six months before being sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison. His family hired a lawyer, but soon lost all contact, the mother recalled.
“The police caught him with it and charged him,” Hasina Majothi told the outlet.
In the clip released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade, Majothi claimed he was given a choice to fight for Russia or rot in jail.
The exact date or location when the clip was taken cannot be verified.
The young student was arrested on drug charges and held for six months before being sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison. His family claims he was framed. Family Photo
“I don’t know how he ended up in Ukraine. I only found out through the viral video,” Hasina Majothi said.
Majothi also said he was promised sums ranging from 100,000 to over a million roubles for his military service, but never received a dime.
After just 15 days of basic training in September 2024, he was reportedly tossed into the war zone — and by Oct. 1, one day after being deployed, Majothi claims he split from his Russian unit following an altercation with a commander.
He then stumbled upon a Ukrainian dugout and asked for help, the outlet said.
After the video went viral, Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad questioned members of Majothi’s family, the outlet reported.
ATS officials in India confirmed details of his arrest and detention in Russia to the outlet.
His detainment comes amid rising concerns that Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian military.
Majorthi stumbled upon a Ukrainian dugout and asked for help during his first day of deployment. Press service of the 65th Mechanized Brigade HANDOUT HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock
“Many young men like him have been trapped and dragged into the war,” community leader Kasam Sumra told the outlet.
“We appeal to the government to bring back Sahil and other young Indians who went abroad seeking work.”
A spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs did not return a request for comment from The Post.