Biju Kurian returns from Israel; Disappeared to visit holy places, says no agency came in search of him

KOZHIKODE: Biju Kurian, who went missing from the farmers team sent to Israel to study modern farming trends, has returned to Kerala. Biju, who returned to Karipur airport on a Gulf Air flight Monday morning, told media that he had gone to visit the holy places in Israel. He said that if he had conveyed this to the group, was sure not to get permission. Biju Kurian opined that he felt sad when the news spread that he disappeared and that is why did not return with the team. He said that he visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem and some other holy places.

He said that his goal was to visit the holy places only and returned on his own. He said that none of the agencies came in search of him. He said that his brother took the ticket for him. Biju apologized to the government and the team members and returned home with his family.

Biju, a native of Kannur, went missing on February 17 during a visit to Israel with the state government’s team. The government had requested through the Indian Embassy to cancel his visa.

A group of 27 farmers left for Israel on February 12 by a team led by Dr B Ashok, principal secretary of the department of agriculture. Biju had called home and told his family that he was safe and not to look for him. Following this, the farmers team returned on February 20 without Biju.

Biju's visa was valid till May 8. The message given by the Indian Embassy to the Malayalees that helping Biju will not be beneficial was a setback for Biju. It is indicated that he decided to return after this.