Indian Rickshaw Driver Killed Attempting Illegal Border Crossing into Israel
Thomas Gabriel Perera, a Kerala autorickshaw driver, was killed by Jordanian security forces while attempting to cross into Israel for a promised job. Allegedly a victim of a job scam, he was misled by an agent into undertaking this perilous journey. His brother-in-law was injured but survived, while efforts are ongoing to repatriate Perera’s body from Jordan to India.
Thomas Gabriel Perera, a 47-year-old autorickshaw driver from Kerala, was killed by Jordanian security forces while attempting to illegally cross into Israel for a job that was promised to him. His family claims he fell victim to a job scam by an agent who had guaranteed him high-paying blue-collar work in Jordan, purportedly worth ₹350,000 per month. After arriving in Jordan, where he and his brother-in-law Edison Charlas found no employment, they were advised to reach Israel for better opportunities.
On February 10, they began their journey toward the Israel border, traveling in a vehicle for hours before walking along the coastline in darkness. Charlas recounted, “We were taken in a car. It was a long distance… Then we were made to walk several kilometers along a coastline. It was while walking in the dark that we were shot.”
A letter from the Indian embassy in Jordan described that security forces opened fire after attempts to stop them were ignored. Perera was reportedly shot in the head and died instantly, while Charlas was also injured. He was later deported to India after spending two weeks in prison, but Perera’s body remains in Jordan.
The family is working with the ministry of external affairs, which has started the process of repatriating Perera’s remains. MP Shashi Tharoor indicated their efforts to bring the body back have commenced, highlighting the seriousness of the situation surrounding job scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
The incident involving Thomas Gabriel Perera illustrates the significant dangers associated with job scams that lure individuals with the promise of lucrative employment abroad. His tragic death also highlights the perils of illegal border crossings and the responsibilities of agents who manipulate individuals seeking better lives. The ongoing efforts for repatriation signify a commitment to support the victim’s family during this difficult time, but also bring forth a critical narrative regarding the exploitation of vulnerable workers.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
