Farmers on official tour from Kerala to Israel return, Biju Kurian fled in name of buying medicine for headache

KOCHI: The farmers who were on an official tour from Kerala to Israel have returned. A team of 26 people reached Kochi around 3 am on Monday. The state department of agriculture sent the team to Israel on February 17 for training in modern farming trends. The 27-member team was led by principal secretary Dr B Ashok.

Meanwhile, one from the team identified as Biju Kurian (48), a native of Kannur, went missing. The returnees said he went missing after having food on Thursday. Biju went out saying that he wanted to buy medicine for headache. The team said the Israeli police have started an investigation.

Meantime, after going missing, Biju called home and informed his family that he is safe and there is no need to search for him. Following this, the team returned without Biju Kurian. Although Biju's visa is valid till May 8, the government is going ahead with legal action for his missing from the group.