Raipur Man Trapped in Russia Faces Alleged Pressure to Join Military in Fake Drug Case

RAIPUR: A 38-year-old man from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, who traveled to Russia in September seeking employment, has allegedly been framed in a fake drug case and is being pressured to join the Russian military to fight in Ukraine.

Tikeshwar Sahu, a sales and marketing professional and the son of a retired police head constable, left for Russia on a tourist visa on September 8, 2026, after a job recruiter promised to convert it into a work visa upon arrival in Volgograd. While he initially maintained regular video contact with his family, all communication abruptly stopped after September 16.

On September 22, Sahu managed a brief video call to his wife, breaking down as he revealed that he had been detained in a fabricated narcotics case. 

His family claims Russian authorities are threatening him with a 15-to-20-year prison sentence unless he agrees to enlist in the military. 

A lawyer hired by the family met him in late October and reported that Sahu's health has deteriorated significantly as he suffers from thyroid issues, hypertension, and severe gastric distress. 
Family representatives also noted that several other foreign nationals and medical students in Volgograd face similar coercion.

Sahu's wife, Manorama Sahu, along with their two young daughters, has appealed to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the State Home Department, and the Indian Embassy to secure his safe return. 

The Indian Embassy recently acknowledged Sahu's detention via email, and Raipur police officials confirmed that appropriate procedural action is underway following a formal application. 

This marks the second such incident reported from the state recently, following a similar detention case involving a 21-year-old from Bilaspur district.