Medical student from Cuddalore discharged from Russian military, says Durai Vaiko

A medical student from Cuddalore, Kishore Saravanan, who was forcibly enlisted and involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, has been discharged from the Russian military and has returned to Moscow, according to MDMK MP Durai Vaiko, who took up his case with the Centre.

The 22-year-old from Palayamkottai in Cuddalore district went to Russia to pursue MBBS about three years ago. During the course of his stay, he was arrested in a case. He was reportedly enlisted by the Russian military to fight against Ukraine about seven months ago and signed a few documents. He was subsequently sent to the war front. It came to light when he sent a voice message to his father J. Saravanan, asking him to save him. He thereafter approached the State and the Union government, urging them to take steps to secure the release of Mr. Kishore from the military.

Acting on the request, Mr. Durai Vaiko took up the issue with the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs and also submitted a memorandum with the signatures of about 68 MPs to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Based on it, the Ministry took a number of diplomatic steps to secure Mr. Kishore from the Russian military.

Flanked by the parents of Mr. Kishore, Mr. Durai Vaiko told reporters in Tiruchi on Tuesday that the student had been released from the Russian military and had safely reached Moscow. The efforts had ultimately paid the desired results., he said and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Jaishankar, Secretary, External Affairs, Vikram Misri and fellow MPs who supported the cause.

“We have undergone severe pain, mental agony and untold misery since my son was taken into the conflict zone. After returning to Moscow a few days ago, Kishore spoke to me over the phone. We are in regular contact with him. We are relieved now,” said Mr. Saravanan, thanking Mr. Durai Vaiko and all those who rendered help.

Mr. Durai Vaiko said Mr Kishore would return to India within 10 days. The Centre should take steps to bring him as early as possible.