India strongly takes up with Russia case of Kerala man killed in Ukraine war

India on Tuesday strongly took up case of an Indian national’s death with Russia while also urging for early repatriation of another injured Indian national in the country.

They are said to have been recruited in the Russian Army for war against Ukraine. Both the slain and injured Indians hail from Kerala.

Russia and Ukraine are engaged in war since February 2022. Sources identified the slain Indian national as Binil Babu, 32, from Kerala’s Kuttanellur, who is said to have been shot dead while battling on the warfront. The injured man has been identified as Jain TK, 27. Both are said to be relatives.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said there has been an unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army.

It said 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 MEA readout said.

It said the matter has been “strongly taken up” with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.

“We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” it said.