Indian working as caregiver in Israel killed, suspect arrested

Acharya was working in Israel for the past six years. His mortal remains were repatriated to India on August 24 and cremated in Kalimpong. He is survived by his elderly parents, two daughters, and his girlfriend. They were informed by the authorities about the tragic incident on July 24.

‘He was the sole breadwinner’

“The family is shattered. Their only hope is snatched away. Rajiv was the sole breadwinner. His daughters study in Class 6 and 8, and his parents are elderly. We heard that the culprit was arrested by the police there. We demand the strictest punishment,” Prakshit Aacharya, the victim’s cousin, told The Indian Express over phone from Kalimpong.

“We read news reports about the brutal manner in which Rajiv was murdered. He was repeatedly hit with a sharp object and struggled in pain before he died. Rajiv was killed by the grandson of the elderly couple in whose house he was working as a caregiver. The culprit was released from jail a few days back before the murder. We had asked the state lawyer why Rajiv was killed. He had no answers for us,” Prakshit said.

The family has also urged the authorities to examine all avenues for financial compensation and justice for the victim.

About 20,000 Indian caregivers in Israel

Acharya was one among the thousands of Indians employed as caregivers in Israel, which sees a huge skilled workforce gap in this segment. As per the Embassy, there are an estimated 14,000 to 20,000 Indian caregivers in Israel, making up the vast majority of the broader expatriate working population in the country.

The incident has raised questions about the safety of Indian caregivers in Israel, who may be working and living inside private residences, and can be vulnerable to abuse or violence.