47-year-old from Kerala killed in firing at Jordan-Israel border

NEW DELHI: A Kerala resident was killed in a shooting incident at the Jordan-Israel border, his family members confirmed. The victim was identified as Ani Thomas Gabriel, 47, who hailed from Thumba. The embassy of India in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan said that it "is in touch with the family of the deceased."

"The Embassy has learnt of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased," the embassy said.


On March 1, Gabriel's family received confirmation of his death through an email from the Indian Embassy. Metilda, a family member, told PTI on Sunday, "We received an email from the Indian Embassy in Jordan about his death, but there has been no further communication after that."

The fatal incident took place on February 10, when Jordanian military personnel fired shots at the border.

Another relative, Edison, who was also shot during the incident, survived and has returned home with injuries, family sources confirmed.

Before departing on February 5, Gabriel had informed his family that he was travelling to Velankanni, a Christian pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu, according to a relative's statement to a television channel.

Television reports indicated that Gabriel and Edison were amongst four individuals attempting to cross from Jordan into Israel with assistance from an agent. The group had entered Jordan using three-month visit visas.

When the Jordanian military encountered them at the border, the group attempted to flee, resulting in the soldiers opening fire.

Reports indicate Gabriel sustained a fatal head wound, while Edison received a leg injury and was treated at a Jordanian military hospital before being sent back to India.

Gabriel's family discovered his presence in Jordan only after Edison's return. They received official confirmation of his death following enquiries through the Embassy.