A 47-year-old man from Kerala, Thomas Gabriel Periera, was reportedly shot and killed by Jordanian security personnel while allegedly attempting to cross the border into Israel. Periera, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, had travelled to Jordan on a tourist visa along with his relative, Edison, on 5 February. The incident came to light last week when Periera’s family was informed of his death by the Indian Embassy in Jordan.
Speaking to India Today, Edison, who survived the ordeal, recounted that they were taken to Jordan by their friend Biju. Upon arrival, they attempted to obtain visas for Israel. Edison stated that they needed at least ten people for a tourist package, but they were only four, including a British national. The UK national left, promising to bring more people. Meanwhile, the trio proceeded with their journey, reportedly with the help of a Sri Lankan guide.
However, as they attempted to cross the border, they were intercepted by Jordanian border forces. Edison claimed that the security personnel, unable to understand their language, opened fire at them. “We pleaded with them to allow us to make a phone call home, but they did not listen,” he said. According to him, the Sri Lankan guide was also unable to communicate with the security forces. Edison said he last saw Periera before losing consciousness.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a prison. “I came home as I was able to call my family from the jail there. I didn’t have money… I got to know about his death after getting confirmation from the Embassy,” Edison said, as per India Today.
‘Spoke To Me For Two Minutes In Last, Asked Me To Pray For Him’: Periera’s Wife
Periera’s family members have been struggling to understand the circumstances of his death. His widow, speaking to news agency ANI, said, “Last time I received a call, he only spoke to me for two minutes. He just asked me to pray for him.” Beena, another family member, stated that Periera had previously worked in Kuwait for five years but did not inform his family about the purpose of his trip to Jordan. “We have no idea why he went there. He took his bag, and only when he was leaving did he say he was going to Jordan. He himself arranged money, and he knew if he told his wife, she wouldn’t agree. She is alone here. They don’t have kids,” Beena said.
Another relative told ANI, “My relative’s son is in London, and he is the one who called and informed me about this incident. We don’t know what happened exactly. He left on 5 February. On 9 February, my sister received a call, it was just for two minutes. He just asked her to pray for him and cut the call. Then we received an email and got to know that he died after being shot in the head, and his body is lying at a government hospital there.”
The Indian Embassy in Jordan confirmed Periera’s death in a post on X and stated that it was working with Jordanian authorities to facilitate the return of his mortal remains. “The embassy 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,” the statement read.
This case comes amid growing concerns over illegal immigration. Last month, over 300 Indian nationals were deported from the United States in handcuffs and shackles sparking a political uproar.
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