Kerala CM calls for action to bring back body of Keralite killed in Russia-Ukraine war

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department to work with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring back the body of 32-year-old T B Binil, who was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Binil, a resident of Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, was reportedly killed in a drone strike while his relative, 27-year-old T K Jain, was injured. The family had received a message about the attack but couldn’t get in touch with the victims until they were informed of Binil’s death by Indian officials at the embassy in Moscow.

Chief Minister Vijayan has asked NORKA CEO Ajith Kolasery to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of Binil’s body and the medical evacuation of the injured Jain. The MEA has acknowledged the death of an Indian national and confirmed that Jain is currently being treated in Moscow.

India calls for return of other Indians in Russian army

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also reacted strongly, emphasising the need to discharge the remaining Indians serving in the Russian Army. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed, “We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army.Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.”

According to Binil’s family, he had traveled to Russia on April 4, initially planning to work as an electrician after completing his mechanical diploma. However, after his arrival, his passport was confiscated, and he was later sent to the war zone. Reports suggest that some organised groups are enticing young people with lucrative salaries to join these foreign conflict zones.

Agency