Kerala farmer goes missing during govt-sponsored trip to Israel; probe launched

Biju Kurian, a native of Ulikkal panchayat in Kannur district, was part of a 28-member Kerala government's delegation of farmers, sent to Israel to study state-of-the-art techniques such as hydroponics and precision farming.

Jerusalem: Authorities in Israel have registered a police case against a 48-year-old Kerala farmer, who reportedly went missing in Israel earlier this month while visiting the country on a state government-sponsored trip to study Israeli modern agricultural techniques.

Biju Kurian, a native of Ulikkal panchayat in Kannur district, was part of a 28-member Kerala government’s delegation of farmers, sent to Israel to study state-of-the-art techniques such as hydroponics and precision farming.

On February 17, Kurian reportedly went missing.

MS Education Academy

Despite Israel’s law enforcement agencies’ best efforts to trace him, Kurian’s whereabouts were not known.

“We have registered a police case against him. He will be deported once we nab him,” an official said.

The delegation, led by Principal Secretary B. Ashok, left for Israel on February 11. The farmers’ delegation left Israel on Sunday without Kurian, they added.

Kurian’s family in Kannur are also clueless about his mysterious disappearance and were making desperate attempts to reach out to him.

Back to top button