They reached the Kochi airport late on Sunday around 11.30 pm and proceeded to the Nedumbassery police station to give their detailed statement. On Monday, they returned home after giving statements to both local police and intelligence officials. Exhausted and in poor physical condition, they expressed relief at being home after facing terrible hardships, including lack of adequate food while abroad.

The journey began on October 3 when the group left Bengaluru for Thailand, where they were promised jobs in advertising and IT companies. Four people – Anurag, Nasiruddin Shah, Athirath and Muhammad Razil – had secured them these jobs. In particular, some of the youth knew Anurag personally. After the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs, they were able to return to Kerala.

According to their statements, upon arrival in Thailand, they were told that the job was in Cambodia. Once in Cambodia, the youths were handed over by friends to a company involved in illegal activities, reportedly sold for up to $2,500 each. They were forced to work for a business involved in cyber fraud.

The youths recounted how they were assaulted with electric batons and iron rods when they refused to participate in fraudulent schemes, resulting in serious injuries, including a broken bone for one of them.

Returnees expressed particular concern for Abin, originally from Perambra, who remains trapped in Cambodia. They stated that Abin’s life may be in grave danger and appealed to the authorities for urgent intervention to secure his return.

Following their statements, Nedumbassery police have registered a case. Station Officer Nedumbassery Sabu confirmed that the case will be forwarded to the respective stations as per jurisdiction.