Four Nizamabad Men Stranded in Ukraine War Zone

Nizamabad: Four men from the erstwhile Nizamabad district, who reportedly travelled to Russia for employment, were allegedly deceived by agents and forced into the Russian military. They are now stranded in a war zone in Russia‑occupied Ukraine. Their families have approached the CM Pravasi Prajavani seeking government intervention to bring them back safely to India.

On Tuesday, the families submitted a representation to Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, state‑level CM Pravasi Prajavani in‑charge and vice‑chairperson of the Telangana State Planning Board, at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Praja Bhavan.

The four men — Bhukya Ravinder (44) of Nallagutta Thanda in Jakranpally mandal, Sirshu Ashok (44) of Pedda Valgot village in Sirikonda mandal, Megavath Prakash (41) of Cheruvu Thanda in Dharpally mandal, and Mohammed Afzal Khan (43) of Tadkol in Banswada mandal — reportedly travelled to Russia around seven months ago after agents promised them well‑paid jobs in an oil company.

After their salaries were withheld, they were allegedly induced to join the Russian military and subsequently deployed to the war zone following training. Expressing serious concern over their safety, the families appealed for urgent assistance.

Responding to their plea, Vijayalakshmi assured them of support and directed GAD‑NRI officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow to secure their release and facilitate their safe return. She also wrote to the Indian Embassy, urging diplomatic intervention and assistance in ensuring the safety and repatriation of the four men.

“The government will make every possible effort to assist Telangana residents stranded in difficult circumstances abroad. We will maintain continuous coordination with the concerned authorities and extend all necessary support to their families,” Vijayalakshmi said.

CM Pravasi Prajavani State Nodal Officer K. Vidya Sagar, Government NRI Advisory Committee Vice‑Chairman Mandha Bheem Reddy and others were present. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Bhukya Arvind, younger son of Ravinder, said their father has been out of mobile coverage for the past month. “Initially, all four Indian workers, including my dad, were engaged in gardening work, but later shifted to the Army. We are eagerly waiting for the safe return of our dad,” he said.