Kochi : The mortal remains of three young Keralites who lost their lives in a major apartment building fire in Bochum, Germany, were flown to the state and taken to their hometowns after an eight-day wait on Friday.
The bodies of Anjali S Joy, 27, from Periyanad in Kollam, Sivin Johny, 26, from Kalady in Ernakulam, arrived at Cochin International Airport on an Air India flight at 1.30am. After completing official procedures, the bodies were handed over to the families by 2.30am. The body of Nova Sabu arrived at Kochi airport at 8.30pm on Friday.
The deaths were due to severe smoke inhalation during the apartment blaze on Oct 13. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. Family members, friends, Norka representatives and local officials received the remains. Anjali’s body was taken to her native home in Kollam. Download the TOI App.
Norka officials said arrangements were made to receive her remains and transport them to her family house at Erattayar, in Idukki, for the final rites, which will be held at 3pm on Saturday.
Sivin’s body was taken to CA Hospital in Aluva for final preparations before being taken to his family home at Manickamangalam, Kalady, at 4.30am. The arrival of his body triggered heartbreaking scenes as parents, siblings and relatives broke down after days of anxious waiting. Hundreds of villagers, friends and dignitaries gathered at Sivin’s residence in the afternoon to pay their last respects. Funeral prayers were officiated by Manjapra forane vicar Fr Varghese Pottackal. Sivin was buried at St Roch’s Church in Manickamangalam. Dignitaries, including Mar Thomas Chakiath, Benny Behanan, MP, and various public representatives, joined the massive crowd to bid farewell to the young man.