Indian Man Killed While Attempting Illegal Entry into Israel, Family Alleges Job Scam

New Delhi: An Indian man, Thomas Gabriel Perera, was fatally shot by Jordanian security forces on February 10 while trying to cross into Israel from Jordan. His family claims he fell victim to a job scam.  

Perera, originally from Kerala, had traveled to Jordan with his brother-in-law, Edison Charlas, after being promised employment with a salary of ₹3.5 lakh ($4,000) per month. 

However, upon arrival in early February, they discovered that no such job existed. Stranded without work, the agent who arranged their travel allegedly encouraged them to enter Israel illegally in search of better opportunities.  

On the night of February 10, Perera and Charlas joined a group attempting to cross the border. 
Charlas, who accompanied Perera recounted that they were trekking through the darkness when security forces opened fire. 

While Jordanian authorities stated that the group was warned before shots were fired, Charlas refuted this, claiming they were attacked without prior notice. Perera was struck in the head and died instantly, while Charlas sustained injuries, was hospitalized, and subsequently detained for 18 days before being deported to India on February 28.  

India’s foreign ministry has assured that efforts are underway to repatriate Perera’s body, with officials working on the necessary documentation. 

“I am told that it will take one or two days for the process of documentation and other things to be completed,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs reportedly said. 

His grieving family now awaits the return of his remains.