Dehradun: Following the intervention of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and sustained efforts by the state government, two brothers from Pithoragarh, Anand Singh Karki and Bhupendra Singh Karki, who had been stranded in Russia for around 97 days, have safely returned home. After their return, the Chief Minister spoke to them over the phone, enquired about their well-being and sought details of the entire episode.
According to the family, the two brothers were sent to Russia through a travel agency based in Sitarganj after being promised better employment opportunities. The family alleged that around ₹8 lakh had been taken from them in the name of securing employment. The brothers left India on May 5, 2026, and reached Moscow on May 6.
According to their family members, after reaching Russia, the two young men were not given the work for which they had been sent. Instead, they were made to perform other jobs against their wishes and were not paid. The family also alleged that the brothers were not allowed to move around freely and were threatened when they refused to work.
The family’s concern grew as it became increasingly difficult to maintain regular contact with the two brothers. During their last communication, the young men had also informed their family about drone or missile attacks in the vicinity of the premises where they were being kept.
After the matter came to the Chief Minister’s attention, he directed the concerned officials to ensure the safe and early return of the two young men. The state government subsequently stepped up efforts in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Russia. After a long wait of around 97 days, the two brothers finally returned safely to India.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that if any citizen of Uttarakhand is in distress anywhere in the world, the state government will make every possible effort to assist them. He said the safety, dignity and interests of the people of Uttarakhand remain the government’s highest priority.
Senior Uttarakhand Kranti Dal leader Kashi Singh Airy and social worker Ramdev Verma also remained in regular contact with the family and assisted with coordination at various levels during efforts to bring the two brothers back.
Following their safe return, the family members expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Dhami, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy, state government officials and everyone who assisted in the effort.
