The Union government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that Indian nationals who joined the Russian Armed Forces during the ongoing conflict faced severe consequences.A bench led by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi, heard a petition filed by families of 26 Indian nationals. These individuals were allegedly misled into travelling abroad and later drawn into the war.The government stated that out of 217 Indian nationals who joined the Russian Armed Forces, 139 have been released after diplomatic efforts. At the same time, 49 individuals have lost their lives and 6 remain missing.Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted before the Court, “about 217 Indian nationals had joined the Russian armed forces. After the diplomatic engagement, 139 nationals have been released from the contractual engagements, 49 nationals have lost their lives in the conflict and 6 nationals have been confirmed missing.”The Court also examined the situation of the 26 individuals whose families approached it. Among them, 14 have died, 11 are missing in action, and one is in custody in a criminal case.On the issue of returning mortal remains, the Centre said that the remains of eight deceased individuals have been handed over to their families. DNA verification continues in other cases to confirm identities.The petitioners raised concerns about the condition of the remains. Counsel submitted that bodies being returned are in a mutilated state and difficult to identify. In some cases, only partial remains reached families.This statement drew a sharp reaction from the government. The ASG objected to the description and urged that the matter should not be sensationalised.The Court also considered submissions regarding compensation. Petitioners claimed that Russian authorities are willing to offer financial support, including a lump sum amount and pension. However, they argued that these assurances are not effectively pursued.The bench responded, “we don’t know who is promising…if they want to give pension, let them give…who is stopping?
The post 49 Of 217 Indians In Russia-Ukraine Conflict Dead, 139 Released: Centre Tells Supreme Court first appeared on October Surprise 2016 – octobersurprise2016.org.
