• March 3, 2025

Keralite on “Visit Visa” shot dead trying to cross into Israel from Jordan

Keralite on “Visit Visa” shot dead trying to cross into Israel from Jordan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM March 3: A Keralite man has allegedly been shot dead by Jordanian soldiers when he was trying to cross into Israel illegally, sources said.

The man has been identified as Thomas Gabriel Perera, a resident of Kerala’s Thumba. The incident reportedly occurred on February 10.

The Indian Embassy in Jordan on Sunday said it has learnt of the “sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances.”

“The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased,” it posted on X.

Thomas Perera, 47, tried to enter Israel after arriving in Jordan on a visitor visa.

His relative Edison, a resident of Menamkulam, also tried to cross into Israel and was shot but survived. He was repatriated to India after receiving treatment.

The incident came amid soaring violence in the West Bank and against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.

There are indications that the other two Keralites who were with them are in jail in Israel.

Reports say that the Jordanian army tried to stop them from entering Israel, a group of Malayalees hid under the cliffs and the army opened fire.

Thomas Gabriel Pereira and Edison, both neighbours, arrived in Jordan together. Gabriel’s family said he had gone on a tourist visa.

However, there have been protests over the shooting in the head by the Jordanian army.

It is learned that there was an agent to smuggle them to Israel. His relative Beena said that Gabriel left the house saying that he was going to Velankanni.

According to the family, Edison did not even tell his wife that he was going to Jordan or Israel and that he came to know about it when he returned home.

The police will conduct a detailed investigation into the matter. Central agencies are also conducting inspections.

It is believed that they had gone to Israel in search of a higher salary.