Indian National Killed Near Israel Border in Jordan

In a tragic incident, a 47-year-old man from Kerala was shot dead by Jordanian security forces while attempting to illegally cross into Israel. The deceased, identified as Ani Thomas Gabriel, hailed from Thumba, on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram.

According to a letter from the Indian Embassy in Amman, the incident took place on February 10, when Jordanian forces opened fire at the border after intercepting a group trying to enter Israel illegally.

Family Shocked After Receiving News of Gabriel’s Death

Gabriel’s family was unaware of his travel plans until they received a letter from the Indian Embassy in Jordan informing them of his death. His relative, Metilda, confirmed that they had only received an initial email and were waiting for further communication.

A family source revealed that another individual named Edison, who was with Gabriel, was also shot but survived. Edison has since returned to India with injuries.

According to the family, Gabriel had told them he was going on a pilgrimage to Velankanni in Tamil Nadu before leaving home on February 5. The shocking truth about his journey only came to light after Edison’s return.

What Happened at the Border?

According to reports, Gabriel and Edison were part of a four-member group attempting to cross the Jordan-Israel border with the help of an agent. The group had traveled to Jordan on a three-month visit visa before attempting the illegal crossing.

Jordanian soldiers intercepted them at the border, but as they tried to flee, the security forces opened fire. Gabriel was shot in the head and died instantly, while Edison was shot in the leg. He was later taken to a Jordanian army hospital for treatment before being repatriated to India.

The other two members of the group managed to escape, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Indian Embassy Responds to the Incident

The Indian Embassy in Jordan has confirmed the incident and assured Gabriel’s family that they are working to repatriate his mortal remains.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy stated, “The Embassy has learned of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. We are in touch with the family of the deceased and are working closely with Jordanian authorities for the transportation of mortal remains.”

The family is now waiting for further updates on the process of bringing Gabriel’s body back home.

Survived by His Wife

Gabriel leaves behind his grieving wife, Christeena, who is now struggling to cope with the sudden and tragic loss. The incident has sent shockwaves through their local community, with many questioning the circumstances that led Gabriel to undertake such a dangerous journey.

As investigations continue, the authorities are still trying to determine the identity of the agent involved and whether there was any larger network facilitating illegal border crossings in the region.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers and risks involved in attempting illegal border crossings and the consequences faced by those who fall into the trap of human trafficking networks.