Overview
- Mandeep Kumar’s mortal remains were received at Delhi airport on Saturday and brought to his hometown Goraya after a DNA match confirmed his identity.
- The 30-year-old, who had a congenital leg disability, was allegedly duped by agents, routed via Armenia, and forced into the Russian Army while seeking work in Europe.
- His brother Jagdeep made two trips to Russia in 2025, submitted DNA there, and says earlier samples given through Indian channels did not lead to answers.
- Accounts differ on when he was killed, with the brother citing a November 2025 drone attack and other reports indicating a probable death in March 2024.
- The family says it paid Rs 31.40 lakh to agents and alleges a wider trafficking network, as calls grow for action under a CBI FIR filed in March 2024 and for curbs on recruitment of Indians by Russian forces.