47-Year-Old Keralite Shot Dead At Israel-Jordan Border

Thiruvananthapuram: A 47-years-old man from Kerala was reportedly shot dead at the Israel-Jordan Border, according to his relatives.

The 47-years-old deceased has been identified as Ani Thomas Gabriel, was originally a native of Thumba.

Gabriel was shot on February 10, when the Jordanian armed forces opened fire at the border.

Kerala Man Shot Dead in Israel-Jordan Border

The family of deceased Gabriel said on Sunday, that they have received an email from the Indian embassy on March 1, confirming his death.

"We received an email from the Indian Embassy in Jordan about his death, but there has been no further communication after that," Metilda, a relative, told PTI on Sunday.

A person named Edison, relative of Gabriel was also shot but survived and has since returned home with injuries, according to family sources.

Family Left Stunned

Gabriel's family was left stunned when he departed on February 5, claiming he was heading to Velankanni, a Christian pilgrimage center in Tamil Nadu, only to later learn he had landed in Jordan, a relative told a TV channel.

According to TV reports, Gabriel and Edison were part of a four-member group attempting to cross the border from Jordan into Israel with the help of an agent. All four had arrived in Jordan on a three-month visit visa.

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The group was intercepted by the Jordanian army at the border, bust as they attempted to escape, the army opened fire at them.

Gabriel was reportedly shot in the head, while Edison suffered a leg injury and was taken to a Jordanian army hospital. After receiving medical treatment, Edison was repatriated to India.

It was only after Edison's return that Gabriel’s family learned he had travelled to Jordan. Upon further inquiry through the Embassy, they were officially informed of his death, relatives said. 

Gabriel is survived by his wife, Christeena.

(with PTI inputs)