**Title:** Indian Student Captured by Russian Army in Ukraine Conflict
**Meta Description:** A 25-year-old Indian student from Punjab has been captured by the Russian army and forced into combat, raising concerns for his safety.
**URL Slug:** indian-student-captured-russian-army
**Headline:** Punjab Student Boota Singh Captured by Russian Forces Amid Ukraine Conflict
A 25-year-old man from Moga district in Punjab, Boota Singh, who traveled to Moscow on a student visa last year, has reportedly been captured by the Russian army and thrust into the battlefield. Singh, who arrived in Russia on October 24, 2024, through a Delhi-based agent, was charged Rs 3.5 lakh by his family for the arrangement. He had been working as a laborer in Moscow for several months before his detention by Russian forces on August 18, 2023.
In a recently surfaced video, Singh disclosed that he, along with approximately 14 others from Punjab and Haryana, had been taken to military camps and coerced into combat without any prior military training. He expressed concern for his safety, stating that five or six individuals from their group had already gone missing after being deployed to the frontlines.
Singh’s last communication with his family occurred via a WhatsApp voice message on September 12, after which they lost contact. His family, deeply distressed, has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in securing his safe return. “We sent our son abroad to improve our family’s condition. Now we fear for his life. We want him back in India,” Singh’s mother lamented, highlighting their ongoing financial struggles.
Boota Singh is the only son of farmer Ram Singh and has two sisters. He previously worked in Singapore in 2019 before returning to India in 2024. After connecting with a Delhi agent through a YouTube contact, he arranged his travel to Russia.
The family attempted to meet with local MLA Davinderjit Singh Laddi Dhose for support but were unable to do so as he was unavailable. The legislator later assured them that he would bring the matter to the attention of the Punjab Chief Minister and provide all possible assistance.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised the issue with Russian authorities in both Moscow and Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the dangers of joining foreign military forces, urging all Indian nationals to avoid such offers.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What happened to Boota Singh in Russia?**
A: Boota Singh, a 25-year-old Indian student, was captured by the Russian army and forced into combat without military training. His family has lost contact with him and is seeking government assistance for his safe return.