Telangana CM sanctions ₹6 lakh to repatriate body of man killed in Russia-Ukraine war
Synopsis
Two Telangana men have become the latest casualties in a troubling pattern of Indian nationals being lured to the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone under false job promises. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has sanctioned ₹6 lakh for the repatriation of one confirmed victim, while a second man's fate remains unverified — and his family is awaiting a response from India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Takeaways
Revanth Reddy sanctioned ₹6 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on 12 October 2026 for the repatriation of mortal remains of Vavilala Sudarshan Goud .
Sudarshan Goud, from Hasanabad village, Jagtial district , was killed in a drone attack on 1 September 2026 in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone.
He had gone to Ukraine four months ago seeking employment and was reportedly caught in active fighting.
A second Telangana resident, Mohammed Afzal Khan (43) from Banswada, Kamareddy district , is feared dead after travelling to Russia in February 2026 on a false promise of a civilian oil-industry job.
Afzal Khan's family has approached the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent verification and diplomatic intervention; his death has not been officially confirmed.
MBT leader Amjed Ullah Khan has called on the Indian Embassy in Moscow to contact Russian authorities immediately.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has sanctioned ₹6 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to cover the repatriation of the mortal remains of Vavilala Sudarshan Goud, a resident of Hasanabad village in Jagtial district, who was killed in the Russia-Ukraine war on 1 September 2026. The assistance was announced on 12 October 2026 after Sudarshan Goud's widow made a direct appeal at a public grievance programme.
How Sudarshan Goud Died
According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Sudarshan Goud had travelled to Ukraine approximately four months ago in search of employment. He lost his life in a drone attack while in the conflict zone. His wife, Vailala Bhargavi, submitted a representation during the Praja Vani public grievance programme, requesting financial assistance of ₹6 lakh to repatriate her husband's remains so that his last rites could be performed in accordance with their traditions.
How the Assistance Was Sanctioned
Minister for Development of Scheduled Castes Adluri Lakshman Kumar brought the matter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's attention after receiving a letter from Vailala Bhargavi. The Chief Minister immediately directed officials to sanction the ex-gratia amount from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Officials have since issued formal orders for the disbursement and have been instructed to take all necessary steps to facilitate the return of Sudarshan Goud's mortal remains to India.
Revanth Reddy expressed profound shock and grief over the incident and assured the bereaved family of the government's full support during this difficult period.
Second Telangana Man Feared Dead in the Conflict
In a separate and deeply troubling development, another Telangana resident, Mohammed Afzal Khan (43) from Banswada in Kamareddy district, is reportedly feared dead in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to reports, Afzal Khan had travelled to Russia in February 2026 after being falsely promised a civilian job in the oil industry.
His family reportedly received a voice message claiming that he died while fighting for Russia near the Russia-Ukraine border. His whereabouts have not been independently verified. The family has sought urgent intervention from the Ministry of External Affairs to confirm the facts and assist with repatriation if the death is confirmed.
Diplomatic Intervention Sought
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) leader Amjed Ullah Khan, who met with Afzal Khan's family members, has urged both the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow to act urgently. 'I request the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow to urgently contact Russian authorities, verify the facts and inform the family. If confirmed, please facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains. This family deserves answers, compassion and urgent diplomatic intervention,' Amjed Ullah Khan said.
This comes amid growing concerns about Indian nationals — many of them from economically vulnerable backgrounds — being recruited under false pretences to serve in conflict zones. With at least two Telangana residents now affected, the cases are likely to intensify pressure on the Centre for stronger consular safeguards.
Point of View
Rather than through a proactive consular framework. With the Russia-Ukraine conflict entering its fourth year, India's diplomatic posture of studied neutrality must not come at the cost of consular indifference to its own citizens in the line of fire. A systemic, not case-by-case, response is overdue.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vavilala Sudarshan Goud and how did he die?
Vavilala Sudarshan Goud was a resident of Hasanabad village in Jagtial district, Telangana, who travelled to Ukraine roughly four months before his death in search of work. He was killed in a drone attack on 1 September 2026 in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Why did Telangana CM Revanth Reddy sanction ₹6 lakh?
The ₹6 lakh ex-gratia was sanctioned from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to cover the cost of repatriating Sudarshan Goud's mortal remains to India. The assistance was triggered after his widow, Vailala Bhargavi, appealed at a public Praja Vani grievance programme; the matter was subsequently raised by Minister Adluri Lakshman Kumar.
Who is Mohammed Afzal Khan and what is his current status?
Mohammed Afzal Khan, 43, from Banswada in Kamareddy district, Telangana, reportedly travelled to Russia in February 2026 after being falsely promised a civilian oil-industry job. His family received an unverified voice message claiming he died near the Russia-Ukraine border; his death has not been officially confirmed, and the Ministry of External Affairs has been asked to investigate.
What action has been sought from the Indian government?
MBT leader Amjed Ullah Khan has publicly urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow to urgently contact Russian authorities to verify Afzal Khan's fate and, if confirmed dead, facilitate repatriation of his remains. The family has separately filed a formal request with the ministry.
How are Indian nationals ending up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone?
According to reports in both cases, the men were recruited under false pretences — one was promised civilian employment in Ukraine, and the other a civilian oil-sector job in Russia. Rights groups and political leaders have flagged this as a pattern of deceptive recruitment targeting economically vulnerable individuals from southern and central India.
