Kerala man's death in Jordan: Biju Jalas denies role as agent, claims money was for travel arrangements

Biju Jalas, responding to the death of a Malayali in Jordan, clarified that he is not an agent but a worker in Jordan. He stated that Thomas Gabriel sought job assistance and that the money received was for travel and accommodation, not employment.

Thiruvananthapuram: Agent Biju Jalas has responded to the incident of a Malayali being shot dead in Jordan, clarifying that he is not an agent but an employee in Jordan. According to him, Thomas Gabriel Pereira had approached him for job assistance in Jordan. The money taken was only for ticket booking and hotel arrangements, not for job placement.

Biju Jalas further stated that the individuals attempted to cross into Israel on their own accord. He had warned them about potential risks, and they had even provided written consent confirming their decision. He also mentioned that he had spoken to them over the phone during their journey to Israel, only learning about the tragedy afterward.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy has informed Thomas Gabriel’s family that they must bear the cost of repatriating his body. The embassy conveyed this information in a message sent to Thomas’s wife. However, MP Adoor Prakash has written to the External Affairs Minister, urging the central government to cover the expenses for bringing the body back from Jordan.

Thomas was shot and killed by Jordanian security when he was allegedly trying to cross over into another country illegally, the Ministry of External Affairs sources said on Sunday (March 2). The Indian Embassy in Jordan has mourned the demise of the national, and said it is working closely with the authorities for the transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased.