Thomas Gabriel Perera, an autorickshaw driver from Kerala, was killed while attempting to illegally cross the Israel border from Jordan, allegedly a victim of a job scam that promised lucrative employment. His brother-in-law, Edison Charlas, was injured during the encounter with Jordanian security forces. The Indian government is working to repatriate Perera’s body, while both families seek justice and to bring attention to the dangers of employment fraud.
Thomas Gabriel Perera, a 47-year-old autorickshaw driver from Kerala, was tragically killed while illegally attempting to cross into Israel from Jordan on February 10. His family claims he was a victim of a job scam, having been promised lucrative employment that never materialized. After arriving in Jordan, he was instructed by a job agent to make the illegal crossing into Israel for better job prospects, ultimately leading to his untimely death.
Alongside Perera was his brother-in-law, Edison Charlas, who sustained injuries during the incident. The two had paid a total of ₹210,000 and $600 for their journey, with the expectation of earning ₹350,000 a month from blue-collar jobs. After failing to find employment in Jordan, they were advised to pursue work opportunities in Israel.
On the day of the shooting, Perera and Charlas were transported toward the border, walking several kilometers in darkness after a lengthy car ride. During this time, armed Jordanian security forces allegedly opened fire after giving warnings. Evidence from the Indian embassy states that Perera was struck in the head and killed instantly, although Charlas claims they did not receive any warnings during their journey.
Charlas managed to contact his wife from jail, enabling communication with the Indian embassy. He was deported to India on February 28, while Perera’s body remains in Jordan. The Ministry of External Affairs is currently working to facilitate the repatriation of his remains. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has indicated that efforts to return the deceased’s body have already commenced.
The tragic incident involving Thomas Gabriel Perera underscores the dangers posed by fraudulent employment schemes that lure individuals with unrealistic promises of lucrative jobs abroad. The consequences have not only resulted in the loss of life but also highlighted the alarming issue of illegal immigration and the potential risks faced by vulnerable workers seeking opportunity. Efforts are underway to repatriate Perera’s body and assist his grieving family during this difficult time.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
