Mortal Remains Of Soumya Santosh, Killed In Rocket Attack In Israel, Reach India

Soumya Santosh body reaches India: The mortal remains of Kerala native Soumya Santosh, an Indian-origin woman who was killed in Israel city of Ashkelon on May 11, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday (May 15) morning. Her body was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Israeli Deputy envoy Rony Yedidia Clein paid their last respect.

Mortal remains of Kerala woman who died in Palestinian rocket strike earlier this week arrive at Delhi airport. Union Minister V Muraleedharan and Rony Yedidia Clein, Israel's Deputy Envoy pay floral tribute pic.twitter.com/5Jd5Atty6r

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2021

"I empathise with the pain and sufferings of the family of Ms. Soumya," Muraleedharan tweeted. He also added that he empathised with the pain and sufferings of the deceased caretaker's family. "More strength to them."

With a heavy heart, received the mortal remains of Ms. Soumya Santhosh in Delhi and paid my last respects. CDA of Israel Embassy @RonyYedidia also joined.

I empathise with the pain and sufferings of the family of Ms. Soumya. More strength to them. pic.twitter.com/97bvOziCpG

— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) May 15, 2021

The 32-year-old was killed during the airstrikes in Israel, near the Gaza border. She was in the house with another woman, an 80-year-old, whom she was appointed to take care of. Her husband was connected on a video call with her when the rocket hit the house. According to Channel 12’s report, the bomb shelter in the area is situated about a minute’s away from the elderly woman’s house. Neither the old woman, nor Santosh could make it to the shelter.

Santosh, originally a resident of Idukki in Kerala, couldn’t survive the rocket attack on Tuesday. Following her demise Embassy of India in Tel Aviv made arrangements to bring her body back home to Kerala. Her family revealed Santosh was living in Israel for the last seven years while her husband and nine-year-old son stay in Kerala. Read all about her here.

On Friday, Muraleedharan had promised that her body will be returned from Israel to Kerala and that he would personally receive the remains in Delhi. Her body reached the country in a chartered flight and will reach Nedumbassey by noon. It will reach Keerithode in Idukki later in the day.

Earlier, Muraleedharan had spoken to the bereaved family in Kerala and assured all possible assistance from the Government of India. He noted in a tweet that New Delhi had condemned the “attacks and violence in Jerusalem” and urged both sides to take control over the situation.

Spoke with the family of Ms Soumya Santhosh to convey my deep condolences at her tragic demise during the rocket attacks from Gaza today. Assured all possible assistance.

We have condemned these attacks and the violence in Jerusalem, and urged restraint by both sides.

— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) May 11, 2021