Mortal Remains of 2 Odia Workers Killed in Kuwait Fire Arrive in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The bodies of two Odia workers, victims of the recent Kuwait apartment fire, arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The tragic blaze, which claimed 45 Indian lives on June 12, has deeply affected the Odia community.

The deceased, identified as Santosh Kumar Gouda from Ganjam district and Mahammad Jahur from Cuttack district were employed by a private company in Kuwait. They resided in the ill-fated seven-story building in Mangaf, Southern Kuwait, where the fire erupted early Wednesday.

Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida received the mortal remains at Bhubaneswar airport, paying their respects. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is expected to join the state-organized tribute before the bodies are transported to their respective villages for final rites.

The Odisha government has announced a Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for each bereaved family. Jahur had worked in Kuwait since 2017 as a lab technician, while Gouda moved there two years ago.