Published Jan 13, 2025 | 5:56 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 13, 2025 | 5:56 PM
Indian embassy confirms death of Binil Babu, Kuttanellur resident killed in Ukraine
The Indian Embassy has officially confirmed the death of Binil Babu, a 32-year-old man from Kuttanellur, Thrissur, who became entangled with a Russian mercenary group while in Ukraine.
The confirmation was communicated to Binil’s family through official channels by the Embassy.
Binil’s family was informed by his companion, Jain, that Binil had sustained severe gunshot injuries during the conflict in Ukraine. Jain reported that Binil later succumbed to his wounds.
The tragic incident highlights the growing issue of individuals becoming ensnared in dangerous situations abroad, particularly involving human trafficking and forced recruitment.
Binil and Jain had traveled to Russia last April, under the assumption that they had secured jobs as electricians.
However, they soon discovered they had been deceived and were coerced into working with a Russian mercenary group.
According to the family, a Malayali agent based in Russia had misled the two men, trapping them in a perilous situation they could not escape.
The tragedy is compounded by the death of another individual from their circle, Sandeep, a native of Thrikkur, who was killed in the conflict.
The ongoing efforts to rescue and repatriate individuals caught in similar situations continue, as authorities work to address the growing issue of human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable workers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
