Berhampur, Mar 13: The mortal remains of Kuna Khuntia, an Odia migrant worker from Khallikote block in Ganjam district, who passed away in Qatar, were brought back to Odisha on Thursday through coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the state government.
Khuntia had travelled to Qatar about four months ago seeking employment and was working as a labourer with a private company. Officials stated that the family was informed of his sudden death on March 6, reportedly while he was resting in his room.
Following the notification, Khuntia’s family requested assistance to repatriate his body for performing the last rites in his native village. Acting promptly, the MEA and Odisha government facilitated the process, and the body arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday morning.
Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy and Pritish Panda, Officer on Special Duty of the Odisha Paribar Directorate, received the body at the airport. Subsequent arrangements were made to transport the mortal remains to Khuntia’s native village in Ganjam district for the final rites.
The incident highlights the state’s continued support for migrant workers and their families in ensuring dignified repatriation during such tragic circumstances.
