Kerala Family in Distress Over Unverified Reports of Worker's Death in Israel
Relatives of a man from Kallambalam, employed in Israel, are urgently seeking clarity after receiving unconfirmed reports about his death during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Indian authorities in Israel have not issued any official confirmation, leaving the family in a state of anguish and uncertainty.
Details of the Missing Worker
Suresh Sundaresan, 42, a resident of Muthana Sivasailam in Kallambalam, had been working in Israel on a labour visa for the past year. He briefly returned home six months ago following his mother's death before resuming his work abroad. According to family members, Suresh last contacted them on March 16, during which he mentioned the tense situation in the area where he was employed. He informed his family that the locality where he was staying had witnessed missile attacks in recent days.
Confusing and Distressing Phone Call
The next day, a person claiming to be from a Malayali association in Israel reportedly contacted the family, stating that a person identified as Suresh from Kallambalam had died. This information, conveyed over a phone call, has left the family in deep distress, as key details remain unclear and unverified. "We have no authentic information about his death," said his cousin, Biju T S.
Biju explained that according to the association member, the death occurred in Tel Aviv, and Suresh's body has been shifted to Al Khabir Hospital. "The family is in shock. We don't know whom to contact or how to verify this. There is also a language barrier, and we have no details about his workplace or exact location," he added.
Challenges in Verification
The family said they are unable to independently verify the news, as they have no details about Suresh's employer. This lack of information has made it difficult for them to reach out to authorities or contacts on the ground. Biju also pointed to inconsistencies in the timeline, noting that the phone call claimed Suresh had died earlier, even though he had spoken to his family a day before.
"He spoke to us on March 16. So, we are confused about what exactly happened and when," he said.
Official Steps Taken
Relatives have filed a complaint with Kallambalam police seeking official confirmation. Police confirmed they have received the complaint but clarified that further verification would have to be carried out through the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department and the Ministry of External Affairs. Officers indicated that confirmation in such cases depends on communication from Indian diplomatic missions and local authorities in Israel, which could take time given the ongoing conflict.
Political Intervention
Meanwhile, Attingal MP Adoor Prakash said he has taken up the matter with the authorities. "I have taken note of the issue and will take all necessary steps to ascertain the facts. If the death is confirmed, efforts will be made to bring back the body at the earliest," he said.
The situation highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian workers abroad during international conflicts, with families often struggling with information gaps and bureaucratic hurdles in times of crisis.
