DNA report of slain Kaithal youth’s father sent to embassy in Moscow
Tribune News Service
Karnal, August 1
Family members of Ravi (22), a resident of Mator village in Kaithal who was allegedly killed on the Russian frontline, have sent the DNA report of his father Ram Niwas to the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Ravi’s brother Ajay sent the report through mail to the embassy.
The Indian Embassy in Moscow had earlier confirmed Ravi’s death in Russia in response to an email from Ajay. The embassy had initially asked for the DNA of Ravi’s mother for identification purposes. However, since his mother passed away in 2018, the embassy subsequently asked for his father’s DNA. The embassy has assured the family that Ravi’s mortal remains will be sent to India after the DNA test confirmation.
The family alleged that Ravi was killed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine after being forced to join the Russian army. They claimed that despite a promise by President Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discharge Indian youth, five other youths from Mator village and one from Karnal district were still waiting for their release.
Ajay said several Indian youths were detained for allegedly violating visa regulations and given the ultimatum to either serve one year in the Russian army or face 10 years in jail.
Ajay said that the family had paid Rs 11.50 lakh to an agent to secure Ravi a job in the transportation industry in Russia. He went there on January 13 this year. Instead, the detained youths were provided with weapons training and sent to the frontline. “We last spoke to him on March 12,” Ajay added.
The family hopes that the submission of Ram Niwas’ DNA will expedite the process of bringing Ravi’s remains back home for a proper funeral.
Will release mortal remains soon: Officials
The Indian Embassy has assured the family members of Ravi, a resident of Mator village in Kaithal who was allegedly killed on the Russian frontline, that his mortal remains will be sent to them after the DNA test confirmation.
