Thu Jan 30 18:29:37 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Men Lured to Russia, One Killed, Another Injured in Ukraine War

**Moscow/Thrissur, January 30, 2025** – Two Keralite men, Binil Babu and Jain Kurian, who travelled to Russia seeking employment, found themselves embroiled in the Ukraine war, resulting in one death and the other critically injured. Binil Babu, 32, was killed in action three weeks ago, leaving his wife Joicy and five-month-old son Jaick devastated and awaiting the repatriation of his body. Kurian, 27, was critically injured in a drone attack and is hospitalized in Russia.

Both men were allegedly lured to Moscow by a recruitment group led by P.O. Sibi, who promised lucrative electrician jobs in Poland, but instead, they were forcibly enlisted into the Russian army. Their passports were confiscated and replaced with Russian ones. They were initially given menial tasks, including digging trenches in Russian-occupied Ukraine, before being deployed to the frontlines.

Another Keralite, Sandeep Chandran, was killed in a shell attack in August 2024. Three others who escaped the same recruitment network have returned to India and filed complaints. The families of Babu and Kurian have launched desperate appeals for help, accusing the recruitment agents of fraud and deception.

Three men – Sibi, Sandeep Thomas, and Sumesh C. Antony – have been arrested by Thrissur police under charges of trafficking, unlawful compulsory labor, and fraud. The accused allegedly collected ₹1.40 lakh from each of the victims and facilitated their travel and forced enlistment.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi stated that the Indian government is working through diplomatic channels to secure Kurian’s release and the repatriation of Babu’s remains. He warned young people against falling victim to similar illegal recruitment schemes.

The incident has highlighted the growing issue of illegal recruitment of Keralites for low-paying jobs in Russia, with some being lured into military service with false promises of high salaries. The All Moscow Malayalees Association reported a surge in membership, reflecting the increasing number of Keralites seeking employment in Russia, many falling prey to exploitative recruitment networks. The association is actively cooperating with the Indian embassy to address the issue. Joicy continues her agonizing wait for her husband’s remains, her future uncertain.

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