An Indian engineer working in Russia has reportedly been detained by Moscow police, prompting his wife to seek intervention from the Indian government.
The engineer, identified as Chandan Gupta, is reportedly employed by Flex Films Rus LLC, the Russian subsidiary of a Noida-based Indian company. According to reports, Gupta and his colleague Ashish were detained in Moscow on September 5 and are being held at the Baumanskaya police station.
Wife appeals to Modi and Yogi
Gupta's wife, Sneha Gupta, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through a social media video, seeking help to secure her husband's release and return to India.
She said the family had travelled to Russia in connection with Gupta's work and that she is currently in Moscow with their 10-year-old son.
Sneha alleged that her husband had done nothing wrong and claimed that he was subsequently pressured to join the Russian military. She also expressed concern about the family's situation because she does not speak Russian.
However, there is currently no independent confirmation that Gupta has been pressured or asked to join the Russian military. The exact circumstances surrounding his detention also remain unclear.
What does the Indian Embassy say?
The Indian Embassy in Moscow said it is aware of the social media appeal and is in contact with Gupta's wife and local authorities.
The Embassy said Russian law enforcement authorities are treating the matter as a legal issue and that the case is being examined. It has also sought consular access to the detained Indian national.
Reported reason for detention
According to government sources cited by The Economic Times, Gupta and his colleague were detained at Moscow's Red Square on allegations related to drunkenness and allegedly damaging the glass of an ambulance nearby.
The reported allegations have not yet resulted in a publicly detailed account from Russian authorities, and further information about the case is awaited.
Growing concerns over Indians in Russia
The case comes amid continuing concerns about Indian nationals travelling to Russia after being offered employment and subsequently becoming involved with the Russian military.
Indian authorities have previously raised concerns about Indians being misled or coerced into military service. The government has been working through diplomatic channels to secure the release and repatriation of Indian nationals involved in such cases.
The latest case has therefore drawn attention to the risks faced by Indians working or travelling in Russia, particularly amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What happens next?
The Indian Embassy's request for consular access could provide officials with an opportunity to meet Gupta, assess his situation and determine the legal circumstances of his detention.
For now, the reason for the detention, the legal proceedings, and the allegation of pressure to join the Russian military remain subjects of investigation.
The Indian government is expected to continue engaging with Russian authorities as more details emerge.
