Ganjam Family Appeals for Repatriation of Migrant Worker's Body from Maldives
The family of a migrant worker from Ganjam district's Komanda village has made an urgent appeal to the district administration to facilitate the return of his body from the Maldives, where he died four days ago. The deceased, identified as Shankar Behera (40), was working as a laborer for a construction company in the island nation.
Sudden Illness and Untimely Death
According to reports, Behera fell suddenly ill and was admitted to a hospital in the Maldives. He passed away on March 14, just one day after he was scheduled to return to his village on March 13. The tragic news was conveyed to his family by one of his friends via telephone, leaving them in shock and grief.
"We don't know how he died. We have requested the administration to bring his body to the village," said Murali Behera, the father of the deceased. He emphasized that his son had been working in the Maldives for the past four years and was the sole breadwinner for the family, making the loss even more devastating.
Administrative Response and Inquiry
In response to the family's plea, the District Labour Officer (DLO) of Chhatrapur, Barsharani Jena, stated that a preliminary inquiry was conducted on Tuesday. The statements of Behera's family members have been officially recorded as part of the investigation.
"We will submit the inquiry report to the state labour commissioner soon through the district collector to take further steps," Jena assured. The administration is now working to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the body is repatriated for the last rites, following proper protocols.
A Disturbing Pattern of Migrant Worker Deaths
This incident highlights a concerning trend in Khallikote block, where Behera becomes the third migrant worker to die in a foreign country in recent weeks. The other cases include:
- Kuna Khuntia from Naikanapalli, who died in Doha, Qatar, due to a heart attack on March 7. His body was brought back to his village on March 12 after government intervention.
- Souri Behera from Laxmanpur, who died at his workplace in Muscat, Oman, on March 12.
These successive tragedies underscore the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers from the region, who often travel abroad for employment opportunities but may encounter inadequate healthcare, unsafe working conditions, or other risks. The families are left grappling with not only emotional trauma but also logistical and financial challenges in repatriating their loved ones.
The district administration's role is now crucial in providing support and ensuring that Behera's body is returned promptly, allowing his family to perform the final rites with dignity. As the inquiry progresses, there are growing calls for better safeguards and assistance mechanisms for migrant workers from Ganjam and similar regions.
