Body of Haryana man killed in Russia-Ukraine conflict repatriated after 7 months

KARNAL: The body of a Haryana youth killed in the Russia-Ukraine war in Sept 2024 was finally returned to his family seven months after his death on Sunday.
Vikas, who belonged to Chhoti Mangalpur village in Karnal, enlisted in the Russian Army in 2023, according to his uncle. This was his second visit to Russia, following a trip in Feb 2022 during which he undertook various odd jobs before returning to India a few months later, he said, adding that his decision to join the Russian military secured him permanent residency in the country.
"We lost contact with him on Sept 27, 2024," his uncle said. "Anxious and worried by the lack of news, Vikas's father and I travelled to Russia. We were informed that he had been fatally shot in the border fighting on Sept 27."
The family then embarked on a seven-month effort, appealing to various authorities to facilitate the return of their son's body.
His final rites were performed at the Model Town crematorium on Sunday. A relative said that Vikas had been married for four years. He is survived by his wife, son, and parents.