“Watch: Emotional Reunion as Sufiyan Meets His Parents at the Airport”
Narayanpet, Telangana – Emotional scenes unfolded at the home of Syed Zahur Pasha and Nausin Zahur as their son, Sufiyan, returned home safely after being stuck in war-torn Russia for nearly nine months. The family members embraced Sufiyan tightly, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude after enduring months of uncertainty and fear.
Sufiyan’s return marked the end of a grueling ordeal that left his family on the brink of losing hope. “My parents had almost given up, but thanks to the Indian Government, my brother is back home safely,” Sufiyan’s brother, Salman, shared with deep emotion.
Sufiyan, who had been working in Russia under dangerous conditions, was finally freed after his contract was canceled on September 6. Following the cancellation, he and five others were instructed to prepare to leave for India. Once the necessary documentation and formalities were completed, Sufiyan boarded a flight from Moscow to New Delhi on Thursday. After arriving in New Delhi early in the morning, he took a connecting flight to Hyderabad, finally reuniting with his family on Friday night.
Salman recounted how Sufiyan kept his family in the dark during the final stages of his journey. “Even when his commandants told him to pack his bags and get ready to leave, he didn’t call us. He only informed us after reaching Moscow airport,” Salman said, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty his brother faced.
The 23-year-old was among a group of Indian youths who were duped by agents and deployed in the Russia-Ukraine war zone. Sufiyan, who had been working as a helper in the packing section at Dubai airport, was lured by Faizal Khan, an agent who promised him a job as a security guard in Russia.
Sufiyan’s journey took him from his hometown in Narayanpet to Chennai in December, before he ultimately reached Russia. Once there, instead of the promised job, he was forced to perform grueling tasks in the war zone, including fetching water, cleaning bunkers, and arranging firewood.
Sufiyan had limited communication with his family due to strict surveillance by local forces, intended to prevent location tracking by drones or other equipment. His phone calls were brief, often lasting no more than two minutes, his brother Salman tearfully recalled.
Now back in the comfort of his home, Sufiyan’s return has brought immense relief to his family, but it also highlights the dangers faced by young Indians lured into foreign countries under false promises.
