'My son was not a terrorist': Father of Kerala man shot dead by Jordan forces near Israel border speaks out

NEW DELHI: An Indian citizen, Anil Thomas Gabriel Pereira, was fatally shot by Jordanian forces on February 10 while attempting to cross the Jordan-Israel border. His father, Gabriel Thomas, is now demanding justice, asserting his son was not a terrorist and questioning the use of lethal force.
The incident occurred in Jordan's Karak region, where Jordanian forces encountered four individuals and opened fire. Thomas was shot in the head and died instantly, while his relative Edison, aged 43, suffered a bullet wound to his leg.
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"Anil Thomas called me after he landed in Jordan on February 7. When he left from here, he carried all the necessary documents, including his visa. He was not alone--his brother-in-law also travelled with him. Later, we were told that someone had been shot, but they couldn't find Anil Thomas. It was only later that we learned he had been killed," Gabriel Thomas told ANI.
"We sent an email to the Indian Embassy, and when we received a response, we found out about his death. He was shot in the forehead. We demand justice. Why was my son shot? The government must investigate. As a father, it is my duty to fight for the truth. We have already submitted a petition to the MP. This incident happened in Jordan, not Israel. The embassy may say many things, but they were not there. There are eyewitnesses who saw what really happened--Thomas was shot while walking. The bullet hit the leg of the person accompanying him, but my son was shot in the forehead, which is unacceptable. My son was not a terrorist--he was an Indian citizen. If needed, they could have shot him in the leg, but they aimed to kill. This is an injustice, and the government must take action to ensure we get justice," the father continued.
His mother, Selin Gabriel, expressed her grief: "He left home on February 5. After reaching there, he called me once. He told me, 'Don't worry, Amma, I am here with you. I will fulfill all your and Appa's unfulfilled dreams. Don't be sad, just pray for me.' He took all his documents with him. I want justice for my son. I haven't received any of his belongings. I request everyone to help me get them back. I never even got to speak to the person he traveled with."
The 42-year-old Thumba native had traveled to Jordan on a tourist visa with Edison, who is now seeking financial assistance from the Indian mission.
The mortal remains of Anil Thomas were brought home and laid to rest at the St.John the Baptist Church, Thumba, where many gathered to pay their final respects.