Thrissur (Kerala): A 32-year-old man from Thrissur, Kerala, employed by the Russian Military Support Service, has reportedly been killed, according to his relative. Binil T B, an electrician, was confirmed dead by his relative, Saneesh, on Monday. However, official confirmation has yet to be received from the Indian government or state authorities.
The news comes amid ongoing efforts to repatriate Binil and his cousin-in-law, Jain T K, who were stranded in the conflict zone of Ukraine. The Indian Embassy in Moscow reportedly informed Binil’s family of his death, with Saneesh stating that the Russian Army had conveyed the information. Binil’s wife, Joicy John, remains in shock, Saneesh said.
Binil and Jain had travelled to Russia in April 2024 to work as electricians and plumbers. Upon their arrival, their Indian passports were confiscated, and they were deployed to the war zone. Stranded in a region under Russian control, they faced hardships, including the loss of mobile phones and valuables. Despite the dire situation, they had been trying to reach out to Indian authorities for assistance.
Jain, aged 27, sustained injuries and is reportedly undergoing treatment in Moscow. Both men had initially travelled to Russia on private visas arranged by a relative serving in the Russian Army, but that individual was discharged earlier this year following intervention from the Indian government.
The families of Binil and Jain are anxiously awaiting further information from official sources.