The story highlights ongoing employment scams that manipulate vulnerable workers seeking better opportunities abroad.
**Victim of a Job Scam: Indian Man Killed in Jordan While Trying to Cross into Israel**
**Victim of a Job Scam: Indian Man Killed in Jordan While Trying to Cross into Israel**
Family claims Thomas Gabriel Perera fell prey to deception that led to his tragic death.
The family of Thomas Gabriel Perera, an Indian man shot dead while attempting to cross into Israel, claims he was a victim of a job scam. Perera died on February 10 after being targeted by Jordanian security forces along the Israel border. According to his relatives, he was lured to Jordan with promises of a high-paying job, but when the opportunity failed to materialize, he attempted to enter Israel to seek employment.
Perera, 47, traveled from Kerala with his brother-in-law Edison Charlas, who was injured during the incident. Charlas received medical treatment and spent two weeks in prison before returning to India. The duo, who worked as auto-rickshaw drivers back home, fell victim to an agent who claimed they could earn a lucrative 350,000 rupees (approximately $4,000) a month in blue-collar jobs in Jordan.
However, upon arriving in Amman, they learned from the agent that no jobs were available and were advised to cross into Israel illegally, which he described as a land of opportunity. On February 10, the two men embarked on a treacherous journey to the Israel border with a group, traveling for hours overnight before being intercepted.
Charlas recounted the harrowing experience and disputed the official account that security forces had issued warnings before opening fire. He insisted that no such warnings were given, and instead, they were fired upon without any provocation. While attempting to escape, Charlas was shot and fell unconscious. Perera was struck by a bullet in the head and died instantly.
The Indian embassy in Jordan has acknowledged the incident in a letter to Perera's family, but the circumstances remain contentious. After recovering in the hospital, Charlas communicated with his family, prompting Indian officials to investigate. He was eventually repatriated to India, while Perera's body is still in Jordan. India's foreign ministry is currently working to secure its return.
The tragic case brings attention to the increasing number of Indians who fall victim to employment scams, with many risking illegal migration for better financial prospects. Observers have noted a troubling pattern where individuals apply for tourist visas, only to be guided into neighboring countries for work, which violates immigration laws. The Kerala government's migration oversight chief, Ajith Kolassery, emphasized the persistent problem despite warnings from officials, as many continue to chase misleading job offers.
In recent years, several Indian nationals have been rescued from human trafficking situations in countries like Cambodia, where they were enticed by false job promises. The conversation surrounding this issue is growing, as many are manipulated into perilous situations while seeking improved living conditions abroad. As discussions unfold, government officials continue their efforts to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals in search of work.
Perera, 47, traveled from Kerala with his brother-in-law Edison Charlas, who was injured during the incident. Charlas received medical treatment and spent two weeks in prison before returning to India. The duo, who worked as auto-rickshaw drivers back home, fell victim to an agent who claimed they could earn a lucrative 350,000 rupees (approximately $4,000) a month in blue-collar jobs in Jordan.
However, upon arriving in Amman, they learned from the agent that no jobs were available and were advised to cross into Israel illegally, which he described as a land of opportunity. On February 10, the two men embarked on a treacherous journey to the Israel border with a group, traveling for hours overnight before being intercepted.
Charlas recounted the harrowing experience and disputed the official account that security forces had issued warnings before opening fire. He insisted that no such warnings were given, and instead, they were fired upon without any provocation. While attempting to escape, Charlas was shot and fell unconscious. Perera was struck by a bullet in the head and died instantly.
The Indian embassy in Jordan has acknowledged the incident in a letter to Perera's family, but the circumstances remain contentious. After recovering in the hospital, Charlas communicated with his family, prompting Indian officials to investigate. He was eventually repatriated to India, while Perera's body is still in Jordan. India's foreign ministry is currently working to secure its return.
The tragic case brings attention to the increasing number of Indians who fall victim to employment scams, with many risking illegal migration for better financial prospects. Observers have noted a troubling pattern where individuals apply for tourist visas, only to be guided into neighboring countries for work, which violates immigration laws. The Kerala government's migration oversight chief, Ajith Kolassery, emphasized the persistent problem despite warnings from officials, as many continue to chase misleading job offers.
In recent years, several Indian nationals have been rescued from human trafficking situations in countries like Cambodia, where they were enticed by false job promises. The conversation surrounding this issue is growing, as many are manipulated into perilous situations while seeking improved living conditions abroad. As discussions unfold, government officials continue their efforts to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals in search of work.
