An ex-serviceman from Kerala was tragically killed in Khartoum on Saturday when he was struck by stray bullets during the conflict between the country’s army and paramilitary forces in Sudan’s capital city. The victim, identified as Albert Augustine, 48, hails from Nellippara village in Kannur district. He worked as a security manager with a company in Sudan. A fellow Keralite living in Albert’s neighborhood in Sudan informed his family in Kannur about the incident.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the Indian national in Sudan. According to K M Joseph, the president of Alakode village panchayat, Albert was hit by a bullet while opening a window at his home. Joseph mentioned that Albert retired from the Indian Army six years ago and moved to Sudan last year to work as a security chief. His wife and daughter had recently joined him for a short vacation.

Joseph added that due to heavy gunfire, locals were unable to reach the place where Albert was shot. Albert was trying to call his son in the UK when he was hit by the bullet. Reports confirmed that Mr. Albert Augustine, an Indian national working for a company in Sudan, succumbed to his injuries after being hit by a stray bullet.

The Indian embassy is coordinating with the family and medical authorities for further arrangements. Sybella, Albert’s wife, sent an audio clip to her family in Kannur, pleading for help as they were stranded without assistance. NORKA ROOTS officials stated that they have not received any official communication regarding the incident.

The Indian embassy in Khartoum confirmed that Albert Augustine was employed by a company in Sudan. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed condolences over the situation in Khartoum, emphasizing that India will closely monitor the developments in the country.

Sudan’s military seized power in a coup in October 2021 and has been governing through a sovereign council since. Tensions have arisen between the Army and paramilitary forces regarding the transition to a civilian government.