In a heart-wrenching incident, Hemil Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, a young man from Gujarat who joined the Russian army, tragically lost his life on the Ukraine front. The news of his demise, a result of an air strike, came as a shock to his family, who were initially unaware of the grave situation.
Hemil, inspired by social media posts recruiting ‘helpers’ for the Russian army, left India for Russia on December 14, securing a job through a recruitment agent. The Mangukiya family, residing in Velanja village in Kamrej taluka of Surat, learned about Hemil’s death two days later when a friend working alongside him informed them on February 23. Despite the initial disbelief, the family later confirmed the unfortunate news through multiple sources.
Hemil’s journey abroad was driven by his aspirations and the promise of substantial earnings. His family, currently mourning his passing, plans to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death by requesting the Indian government to liaise with Russian authorities.
Having moved to Velanja village with his parents and a younger brother studying in the UK, Hemil, a Class 12 graduate, maintained regular communication with his family. His last call, lasting over two hours, assured them of his well-being just before the tragic incident.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry into Hemil’s journey to Russia and his employment there. It was noted that he travelled on a regular visa, and investigations are ongoing to understand the details surrounding his relocation and work in the country. Hemil’s untimely demise highlights the complexities and risks associated with individuals seeking opportunities in conflict zones based on online information.
