In a tragic incident, an Indian national from Kerala was shot dead by security personnel while trying to cross the border illegally from Jordan to Israel on 10th February. The Indian embassy in Jordan is in contact with the victim’s family.
What Happened In Jordan
On February, a group of people were trying to cross the Jordan-Israel border with the help of an agent. A 47-year-old man named Thomas Gabriel, from Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, was shot dead by security forces in Jordan. The Indian Embassy in Amman sent a letter to his family about the tragic incident. It happened on February 10, when Jordanian soldiers opened fire at the border while he was trying to cross the Israel border illegally.
Family’s Reaction
According to PTI reports, Ani Thomas Gabriel’s relative, Metilda, said, “We got an email from the Indian Embassy in Jordan about his death, but we haven’t heard anything since.”
Various reports said that another person named Edison, who was with Gabriel, was also shot but survived. Edison has returned home with injuries. Gabriel had left home on February 5, telling his family he was going to Velankanni, a Christian pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu- according to a realtive.
A family source stated that, according to Indian Express reports, Edison was taken to a camp by Jordanian forces, where he received treatment for bullet injuries. “He sustained bullet wounds at a seashore and later realized he was in a security forces camp, where he was treated. A few days later, he was imprisoned in Jordan and subsequently sent back to India. According to available information, the other two members of the group are still in a Jordanian jail,” said a relative.
Details Of The Incident
Gabriel and Edison were part of a group of four people trying to cross the Jordan-Israel border with the help of an agent. Both Thomas and Edison, hailing from the fishermen community, were autorickshaw drivers. All four had travelled to Jordan on a three-month tourist visa, according to the media reports.
The Jordanian army stopped them at the border, but when they tried to escape, the soldiers opened fire. Gabriel was shot in the head and died, while Edison was injured in his leg. He was taken to a hospital run by the Jordanian army, treated, and later sent back to India.
Gabriel’s family only found out about his trip to Jordan after Edison returned. They later received official confirmation of his death from the Indian Embassy.
Gabriel is survived by his wife, Christeena.
Indian Embassy On Ani Thomas Gabriel’s Death
“The Embassy has heard about the sad death of an Indian citizen in tragic circumstances. We are in touch with the family and are working with the Jordanian authorities to bring the body back,” the Indian Embassy in Jordan posted on X.
The Embassy has learnt of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased. @MEAIndia
— India in Jordan (@IndiainJordan) March 2, 2025
