THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The missing of one of the 27 farmers sent by the state agriculture department to study modern farming trends in Israel became controversial. Biju Kurian, a farmer from Kannur, had gone missing. But now a relative revealed that the farmer has called his wife who is in Kerala. He went missing on February 17 from the Herzliya hotel where the group was staying.

Biju told his wife that he was safe and not to look for him. His brother Benny revealed that Biju had called his wife. At the same time, the agriculture minister has also confirmed that nothing bad has happened to Biju.

The group came out to board a bus to go to another place to have food. While boarding the bus from here, others realized that Biju was missing. Meanwhile, the members of the team said that Biju came out of the hotel with the bag containing his passport.

It was initially said that the agriculture minister would lead the group to Israel to study agriculture. However, due to some political reasons B Ashok, principal secretary of agriculture department, led the team. He has informed the government and the Indian Embassy officials about the farmer's disappearance. The Israeli police have started an investigation into the incident. The group of farmers including Biju is allowed to stay in Israel till May 8. Visas were granted at the request of the government. The flight expenses were borne by Biju.