Widow Struggles to Retrieve Body of Punjab Man Killed in Russian War

Widow Struggles to Retrieve Body of Punjab Man Killed in Russian War

The widow of Tejpal Singh, a 30-year-old man from Punjab killed on the Russian warfront, is facing significant challenges in obtaining a DNA report required by Russian authorities to identify and release his body. Tejpal Singh, originally hired as a "security helper" by the Russian Army, was forced into combat on the Ukraine border. His family learned of his death on June 9, following his last contact with his wife, Parminder Kaur, on March 3.

Parminder Kaur, also 30, and mother of two young children, expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from local authorities in Amritsar and the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Despite assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the early discharge of Indian nationals, Kaur claims that men are still being sent to the frontlines.

Kaur has been trying to secure the required DNA report for weeks, visiting police stations, government hospitals, and private clinics, all to no avail. She shared that the Indian Embassy in Moscow confirmed her husband's death and requested a DNA test from a close relative, preferably his mother, to verify his identity. The embassy also made an error in the official records, listing Tejpal Singh's date of birth incorrectly, which has not been rectified despite repeated requests.

A Ministry official stated that the embassy is in touch with Kaur's family and providing assistance. However, Kaur expressed her exhaustion and frustration at the lack of tangible support.

Tejpal Singh is one of at least four Indians killed in the ongoing conflict, with two others still missing. So far, the bodies of two other deceased Indians—Hemil Mangukiya from Surat, Gujarat, and Mohammad Asfan from Hyderabad, Telangana—have been repatriated. Around 50 Indians are reportedly serving in the Russian Army, with approximately 30 seeking to return home.

Souce: The Hindu