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Baitadi, January 10 – Manoj Singh Bhatta, a 30-year-old resident of Melauli Municipality-7, Kanda in Baitadi district, who sold his truck in search of a better future in Europe, has been confirmed deceased while engaged in combat during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Prior to departing Nepal, Bhatta worked as a truck driver to support himself. After many years of operating other people’s trucks, he secured loans and was able to purchase his own truck just over two years ago. Family members mention that shortly after becoming a truck owner, he developed aspirations for working abroad in Europe, aiming to earn more and offer his family a better quality of life. Motivated by this goal, he sold his truck and traveled to Europe with a friend.

As per relatives, another individual from Melauli had also traveled overseas with him. While Bhatta informed his family that he was going to Europe, he never revealed the specific country he was visiting.

His brother Ashok Bhatta mentioned that Manoj stayed in touch with the family for approximately three months after leaving home, but then lost contact. Later on, the family discovered that he had joined the Russian army. Two years after he left Nepal, the family was stunned by heartbreaking news.

The family’s worry increased when reports surfaced last April stating that Arjun Bhatta from Melauli-9, Asur, who had also enlisted in the Russian army, had died. During this time of confusion, the Russian Embassy in Nepal reached out to Manoj’s family in June and requested his mother to come for a DNA test.

Following the DNA sample she submitted in July, the embassy confirmed on January 1 that Manoj had perished in battle, as stated by his brother Ashok.

After news of his passing was confirmed, Manoj’s family and relatives have been deeply grieving. Since his body could not be returned, a symbolic cremation was conducted using an effigy made of kush (holy grass) at the Maharudra Aryaghat in the village on January 4, according to ward chair Ramchandra Bhatta.

Manoj was the second of four brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his parents, his wife, and his younger brother. His older sister is married.

The family is also dealing with significant financial difficulties. As per family members, loans taken to buy the truck remain unpaid, and Manoj had also acquired more funds to support his trip abroad. The loss of their primary source of income has caused them to face challenges both emotionally and financially.

Captured by agents, sent to Russia

Family members stated that Manoj had left Nepal two years ago together with Gopi Bista from Melauli-8. On their way, they encountered someone in Kathmandu who promised to assist workers in getting overseas.

An agent is said to have collected Rs800,000 from each individual, vowing to transport them to Moscow through Dubai and secure a well-paying job. Once the money was received, the agent gathered the necessary paperwork and forwarded it to Moscow.

Relatives mentioned that the same agent had arranged for Arjun Bhatta to travel to Moscow through Dubai seven days prior. Meanwhile, Manoj told his family he was heading to Europe, whereas Arjun had let his family know he was going to Poland.

Among the three men, Manoj and Arjun lost their lives in the conflict, whereas Gopi Bista was able to return home without harm. Bista mentioned that they were transported to Moscow through Dubai and then enlisted in the Russian military. Following their enlistment, they were sent to a location known as Rostov for training under a one-year agreement.

After completing the training, a distinct group of 48 Nepalis was established,” Bista stated. “Our mobile phones and passports were taken, and we were instructed to head to the Ukraine border and engage in combat.

He stated that approximately 10,000 troops, among them 48 Nepalis, were sent to the primary fighting area near the border. He further mentioned that following his departure from Moscow, he did not encounter Arjun ever again.

Bista mentioned that a strategy was developed to infiltrate Ukraine via gas pipelines originating from Belarus. According to this plan, six individuals, including himself, were sent through the pipeline to establish entry points within Ukraine. “This is where Manoj and I were parted,” he stated. “While returning after finishing the assigned mission, I saw Manoj for the final time inside the pipeline.”

He mentioned that he spent almost a year engaged in combat in the region, frequently without sufficient nourishment. Throughout this time, he consistently asked his superiors to look for Manoj but was given no definitive details.

A year into his deployment, he experienced vision issues and was sent for a medical examination. With the assistance of a Russian soldier, he was able to get in touch with a taxi driver, go to the Nepali embassy in Moscow, and finally return home safely.

The passing of Manoj has once more brought attention to the increasing issue of Nepalis being tricked into leaving their country by agents who make false assurances, only to end up involved in international conflicts, causing deep sorrow and financial burden for their families.