Chief Minister Instructs Officials to Collaborate with MEA for the Return of Keralaite Deceased in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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Synopsis
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the NORKA Department to work with the Ministry of External Affairs to repatriate T.B. Binil's body, who was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian army. His family was informed of his death after he had traveled to Russia for work.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is coordinating with MEA.
- T.B. Binil was killed while serving in the Russian army.
- Binil’s family was notified through Indian embassy officials.
- Government demands the evacuation of remaining Indians in conflict zones.
- Young individuals are being recruited with false promises.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 (NationPress) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday instructed the officials from the Non-Resident Keralaites Affairs (NORKA) Department to work in tandem with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate the return of the body of T.B. Binil, a 32-year-old who lost his life in a drone strike while serving in the Russian army amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
A few days earlier, Binil’s family was informed that two individuals had sustained injuries due to a drone attack, but they were unable to make contact with them. Binil, hailing from Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, tragically died, while his relative, T.K. Jain, aged 27, was injured during the attack.
Vijayan has tasked NORKA CEO Ajith Kolasery with ensuring all necessary measures are taken for the repatriation of Binil’s body and the care of the injured Jain. While the MEA has confirmed the death of an Indian national from Kerala, Binil’s family stated they were informed of his demise by Indian officials at the embassy in Moscow.
In response to the reports of the death of an Indian citizen in Russia, the Indian government reiterated its call for the early evacuation of other Indians currently enlisted in the Russian Army within the conflict zones.
“We have been made aware of the tragic passing of an Indian national from Kerala, who had reportedly been enlisted in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was also recruited, has been injured and is receiving medical attention in a Moscow hospital,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Furthermore, according to Binil’s family, he held a diploma in mechanical engineering and had traveled to Russia on April 4 with the intention of working as an electrician. Upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were subsequently dispatched to the war zone.
Reports have emerged indicating that young individuals are being targeted by organized groups, lured by attractive salary offers.
