22/08/2026
Rajeev Acharya, 40, a caregiver from Lower Ecchey, Kafley Gaon, Kalimpong was allegedly mu**der*d in Jerusalem, Israel, where he had been working as a nursing caregiver for the past five years.
Acharya was reportedly found in a pool of blood on July 23 after being attacked at the residence where he worked. His death has left his elderly parents, wife and two children devastated.
A significant development in the case has since emerged in Israel. According to a report published in a local newspaper, the State Attorney’s Office has submitted an indictment before the Jerusalem District Court against Aviur Zaken, 31, for the intentional m***der of Acharya, an Indian citizen who was serving as the nursing caregiver of Zaken’s grandfather.
The State Attorney’s Office has also requested that Zaken be detained until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
According to the indictment filed by Attorney Gini Avner of the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office, Zaken, a released prisoner who was released in July, had visited his grandparents’ home in Jerusalem for lunch. Acharya was living at the residence at the time while working as the nursing caregiver of Zaken’s grandfather.
Following the meal, Acharya reportedly went to his room to rest. A short time later, Zaken entered the room and, according to the indictment, decided during a conversation with Acharya to k**ll him.
Parichit Acharya, cousin of the deceased, said Rajeev’s mortal remains reached his native place on August 14, nearly 25 days after his death, and the final rites were performed on the same day.
He said Rajeev is survived by his elderly parents, wife and two children, who are seeking proper legal proceedings and financial justice following his death.
“There are elderly parents, a wife and two children at home. The family seeks proper legal proceedings through the Indian Embassy and also financial justice for the family,” Parichit said.
He added that he has been in regular contact with the Indian Embassy and a lawyer in Israel and is pursuing the matter to ensure that justice is served.
Meanwhile, Naren Thapa Lungeli, President of the IGCI Care Foundation, which works for the welfare of Indian workers in Israel, said the foundation has been mediating with the Indian Embassy in connection with the case.
He said the foundation is closely following the matter and is working to ensure that justice is delivered to the deceased and support is extended to his family.
Thapa further said the foundation would always stand by Indian workers who travel far from their homes to work in Israel.
“The safety and protection of all workers should be ensured so that such incidents do not repeat in the future,” he said.
The foundation has also stressed the need for stronger measures to safeguard Indian workers in Israel and ensure that their welfare and security are adequately protected while working away from home.