New Delhi: A woman living in Moscow has appealed to the Indian and Uttar Pradesh governments for help, claiming that her husband was arrested by Russian authorities and could potentially be sent to the Russian army.
Sneha Gupta, who said she is based in Moscow, identified her husband as Chandan Gupta, an engineer from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. In a video shared on social media, Sneha alleged that Russian police arrested her husband around 12:30 p.m. and that he was being held in jail despite, according to her, having committed no wrongdoing.
Sneha said her husband had travelled to Russia through Indian company UFlex and was living there on what she described as a highly qualified visa. UFlex is headquartered in Noida and has operations in Russia, including through Flex Films RUS LLC.
“I have a request to the Chief Minister of India, Mr. Yogi (Adityanath),” Sneha said in the video, appearing to appeal to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for intervention.
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She claimed the arrest took place around the time of Moscow Day celebrations and alleged that her husband had been “harassed” before being taken into custody.
Sneha also said she does not understand the Russian language and is struggling to determine what is happening to her husband.
“I have a 10-year-old son. Please help my husband,” she said, making an emotional appeal for assistance.
The most serious allegation in the video concerns her claim that her husband could be sent to the Russian army.
“He is being sent to the Russian army. They have a shortage of people in the army,” she alleged.
Sneha further alleged that Indians were being “trapped” in Russia and said she did not know where they were being taken.
“I don’t know where they are being sent,” she said, urging people to circulate her video and bring the matter to the attention of the Uttar Pradesh government.
It is also not immediately clear under what circumstances Chandan Gupta was arrested, what charges, if any, have been brought against him, or whether Russian authorities have taken any steps toward his recruitment into the military.
The case comes amid continuing concerns over Indians being recruited or lured into Russia on promises of jobs and subsequently becoming involved with the Russian military. Any official response from Indian or Russian authorities would be required to establish the circumstances surrounding Gupta’s detention and his current status.
