3 days ago
Court denies pre-arrest bail to Jordan visa fraud accused
Thiruvananthapuram: District court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail application of the accused in the Jordan visa fraud case. However, Kazhakkoottam Police, who are probing the case, informed that arresting the accused was not under their consideration now, as they have sent a request to the city police commissioner to hand over the investigation to another agency.
Biju Jalas, 44, of Thumba, was accused of defrauding lakhs of rupees from several people by promising them Israeli work visas. However, they were taken to Jordan and directed to sneak through the border to Israel without valid visas.
The fraud came to light after Thumba native Thomas Gabriel Pereira, 47, was shot dead by Jordanian soldiers in Feb 2025, while attempting to sneak into Israel. His brother-in-law Edison, 44, was also injured in the leg in the firing.
Another couple, John Mary, 48, and her husband Romance, 52, were also taken to Jordan on Jan 7, 2024, with the promise of Israeli work visas with an attractive salary. However, they were also taken to Jordan and Romance died of a cardiac arrest there.
In a similar way, the accused had cheated several people.
"Since the crime took place in Jordan, a detailed probe has to be conducted by a suitable agency and the accused claimed that the victims were taken to Jordan after being convinced of the risks involved.
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We received direction from the top level not to arrest the accused now. A request was given to the city police commissioner to hand over the probe to a suitable agency. Meanwhile, we were also directed to collect maximum evidence and submit a preliminary investigation report.
Based on the report, higher-ups will take a decision to hand over the probe," police said.
In the meantime, the victims alleged that the probe team was working hand in glove with the accused. "The probe into the case is not effective, as police freed the accused despite knowing that he committed a grave crime. We need justice, as this is not just an issue for me and Thomas, but there are many others who Jalas cheated in the same manner. In Thumba alone, more than 10 people lost their money in the fraud and they are willing to move legally.
The larger network behind the fraud must be exposed," said Edison.
