Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for bringing back the body of a 32-year-old Keralite who was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian army.
TB Binil, a resident of Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, died in the attack while his relative TK Jain (27) was injured. The family learned about the incident through a message saying two men were injured, but couldn't establish contact with them.
Pinarayi Vijayan asked NORKA CEO Ajith Kolasery to take steps to bring back Binil's body and ensure treatment for Jain. The family said they were informed about the death by Indian embassy officials in Moscow.
The MEA on Tuesday reiterated its demand for early discharge of remaining Indians serving in the Russian army in conflict zones.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said they learned about the "unfortunate death" of the Kerala man who was "apparently recruited" to serve in the Russian army. He added that the injured person was receiving treatment in Moscow.
Binil's family said he went to Russia last April to work as an electrician. They claimed his passport was taken away upon arrival and he was sent to the war zone.
Sources said organized groups were reportedly targeting youth by offering lucrative salaries for such recruitment.