Thrissur: A man from Kerala, working for the Russian Military Support Service, is reportedly dead, according to a relative who spoke on Monday. Binil T B, an electrician from Thrissur, was confirmed dead by his relative, Saneesh, who spoke with reporters. However, the death has not been officially confirmed, with multiple state government agencies saying they have not received any formal confirmation.
The report comes amid ongoing efforts to repatriate both Binil and his cousin-in-law, Jain T K, who had been stranded in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone. Saneesh told the media, “The Indian Embassy in Moscow informed us about his death. After hearing the news, Joicy (Binil’s wife) is in shock.” He said that the information was relayed to them by officials from the Russian Army, PTI reported.
Wife pleads for husband’s return
Joicy John, Binil’s wife, who lives in Kurancheri near Wadakkanchery in Thrissur, has been pleading with authorities to bring her husband and Jain back home. Binil, 32, and Jain, 27, both ITI-trained mechanical diploma holders, travelled to Russia on April 4, intending to work as electricians and plumbers. However, upon arrival, their Indian passports were taken from them, and they were assigned to the war zone with the Russian Military Support Service, their family members said.
According to the relatives, Binil and Jain are currently stranded in a war-affected area in Ukraine under Russian control. The two men have lost their phones and other personal belongings, making it even more difficult for them to seek help and return to India.
Relatives reveal front-line assignment
The pair had gone to Russia on private visas, arranged by a relative already serving in the Russian Army. However, that relative was discharged by Moscow earlier this year after diplomatic intervention by the Indian government. Jain is reported to have been injured and is undergoing medical treatment in Moscow, the relatives added. Binil had informed his family that both he and Jain were assigned to front-line duties in the war zone.
