Doctor Detained and Tortured in Russia: A Plea for Help
Incident Overview
In a distressing incident, Dr. K Jagadeeswaran, a doctor from Tamil Nadu, was reportedly detained and tortured by Russian authorities in Sochi during September 2023. His wife has urgently appealed to both the Central and state governments for assistance to ensure his safe return to India.
Background of Dr. Jagadeeswaran
Dr. Jagadeeswaran, a resident of Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, obtained his medical degree from an Armenian University in 2022. Since then, he has been residing in Armenia with his wife, Yamini.
Yamini’s Account of the Ordeal
Yamini shared with PTI the details of her husband’s traumatic experience in Russian custody, stating that he was subjected to torture and humiliation for reasons that remain unclear. She expressed concern for his deteriorating health condition. Although Dr. Jagadeeswaran has since been released from custody, he currently lacks the necessary documents to travel to Moscow for his return to India.
Family’s Intentions to Visit Tamil Nadu
The couple, who have a baby girl, had intended to visit their families in Tamil Nadu in August. Yamini explained that they had been living in Armenia since their marriage three years ago. The trip was initiated when Jagadeeswaran’s friend, Shekhar Manikandan, invited him to Russia, citing his proficiency in the Russian language.
Detention at Sochi Airport
The ordeal began on September 15 when they arrived at Sochi airport. Upon arrival, immigration authorities interrogated them, leading to Jagadeeswaran’s detention based on his ability to speak Russian. While Shekhar Manikandan was released after a week and deported back to India, Dr. Jagadeeswaran was allegedly detained for not cooperating with officials, a claim his wife disputes.
Legal Assistance and Current Situation
After hiring a female advocate in Sochi, Dr. Jagadeeswaran was released with only his passport, lacking any additional documents required for travel. Currently, he is under the care of a Russian lawyer appointed by his family. The Indian Embassy in Moscow has advised that he must reach there for safe repatriation, but his lack of proper documentation has hindered this process.
Health Concerns and Appeals for Intervention
Yamini voiced her distress over her husband’s treatment, stating that he was deprived of adequate food and suffered a severe drop in health, with his blood sugar levels reportedly falling to an alarming one percent. The family has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi for assistance, but their efforts have so far been unproductive.
Public Appeal for Support
In her plea, Yamini has also contacted the BJP Tamil Nadu office and is now appealing through the media for the Central and State governments to take immediate action for the safe and swift release of her husband from Russian custody.