Kanpur Engineer Detained, Forced to Join Russian Army?

The Cliff News | 7 September 2026

A Kanpur-based engineer has reportedly been detained by Moscow police and is allegedly facing pressure to join the Russian military, according to his wife. The family has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for intervention and his safe return to India.

Sneha Chandan Gupta, the wife of Chandan Gupta, a Noida-based engineer, shared a video appealing for help. She stated that her husband was taken into custody by Moscow police on Sunday afternoon and that she is now stranded in the Russian capital with their 10-year-old son, uncertain of his whereabouts or the reasons for his detention.

Engineer's Work Visit Turned Custody

The couple resides in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Chandan Gupta was reportedly in Moscow on a work visa for an assignment with a company based in Noida's Sector 62. His wife claims he had not committed any wrongdoing but was nevertheless detained and taken to jail.

Sneha Gupta expressed her distress, stating she does not understand Russian and is therefore unable to ascertain the exact situation or the charges against her husband. The family has been left deeply shaken by the unforeseen circumstances.

Allegations of Forced Military Recruitment

The primary concern raised by Sneha Gupta is the alleged pressure on her husband to join the Russian army. She claims this pressure stems from a reported shortage of personnel within the Russian military, leading to attempts to recruit foreign nationals, including Indians.

She further alleged that Chandan Gupta had experienced harassment in Moscow around the time of Moscow Day, shortly before his detention. However, these claims currently lack independent confirmation regarding the specific circumstances of his detention or any formal process for military enlistment.

Family's Plea to Indian Leadership

In her emotional appeal via social media, Sneha Gupta urged widespread sharing of her video to draw the attention of the authorities. She specifically sought immediate intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure her husband's safe return to India.

The family's situation is compounded by their son's presence in Moscow, adding to their distress. The appeal underscores the gravity of the situation and the hope that diplomatic channels will be activated to resolve the case.