Months after the death of a Thrissur native at the Russia-Ukraine war zone, another Keralite has succumbed to injuries. Binil Babu, 31, a native of Kuttanellur in Thrissur district is the deceased. His relative Jain Kurian suffered injuries in the attack that reportedly happened last week.
The Indian Embassy on Monday confirmed the death to Binil’s wife Joicy. Binil, 31, is survived by Joicy and a 5-month-old baby.
Binil’s brother-in-law Saneesh told TNM that the family had been trying all means to bring him back. “Binil and Jain were concerned. We are not sure when this attack happened. Jain has undergone a surgery and is out of danger. He is unable to speak yet,” Saneesh said.
A few months ago, Binil and Jain had recorded a video from the warzone, seeking help to return to India. The duo was part of the group of Keralites who went to Russia in search of a job in April. Most of them were hired to work as support staff of the Russian Army, but were eventually forced to work in the war zone.
In August, the Indian Embassy had confirmed the death of Thrissur native Sumesh Chandran in a drone attack. Following this, Binil and Jain had sought help to return as they were assigned to work at the conflict zone by the Russian Army. Some Keralites managed to return home with the support of the Embassy by the end of 2024.
On January 7, the relatives received information regarding the attack. However, the family was unable to contact them.
As per the information given at Rajya Sabha in August 2024, eight Indians recruited by the Russian Army were killed in the war.
Ajith Kolassery, CEO of NORKA ROOTS, state-run agency which handles overseas recruitment, said that they haven't received any official confirmation regarding the death, though unofficial reports came a few days ago. He said that accurate data over the number of people returned or still stuck at the warzone too is unavailable as the migration happened through illegal routes.
