Proceedings to bring Binil's mortal remains to India initiated; efforts to bring back injured Malayalees also

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: NORKA said that it will coordinate with the Indian Embassy to bring the body of Binil, a resident of Kootanellur, Thrissur, who was killed after being trapped in a Russian mercenary force since June last year.

Norka Roots Chief Executive Officer Ajit Kolassery informed that as per the instructions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, measures are being taken to bring Binil's body to India as soon as possible by communicating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy. He said that the current tragic incident took place when efforts were being made to bring Binil and Jain home.

The Union Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Binil (32), a native of Thrissur Kuttanellur, who worked with the Russian army, died and his relative, Jain Kurian, a native of Thrissur, who worked with him, was injured and is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed this information through social media. News had come out that Binil was killed and his relative Jain Kurian, who was with him, was injured in the shelling. Sandeep Chandran (36), a native of Thrissur, who worked with them on the front line, was killed last September.

"We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person.

The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals." - Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said