Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod 

Kasargod, Jun 14: The mortal remains of K Ranjith (34) from Cherkala Kundadka, Kasargod, and Kunhi Keluv (55) from Ilambachi, Trikaripur, who died in a fire tragedy in Kuwait, were repatriated to their hometown on Friday night. The bodies were transported by ambulance from Kochi.

Ranjith’s body arrived at his home in Cherkala Kundadka around 9 PM. District commissioner K Impashekar, MLAs N A Nellikkunnu and C H Kunhambu, Chengala gram panchayat president Khader Badariya, various political leaders, officials, and representatives paid their last respects.

Kunhi Keluv's body reached his home in Trikaripur around 8:15 PM. MLA M Rajagopalan, sub collector Sufiyan Ahmad, Hosdurg tahsildar M Maya, other leaders, and officials paid their last respects. A large number of people gathered for the final viewing. The family's mourning echoed through the area as the final rites were performed.

District commissioner K Impashekar visited Kunhi Keluv's home in Ilambachi to offer condolences to the family. He spoke with Keluv’s wife Mani and children Rishikesh and Dev Kiran. The district commissioner also visited the home of Nalinaksha from Trikaripur, who escaped the fire by jumping from the building and sustained injuries, to gather information.

The bodies arrived at Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi at 10:30 AM on Friday via a special flight. The flight carried 46 bodies, including 24 Keralites. Minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan and other officials accompanied the flight. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, opposition leader V D Satheesan, state ministers, and MPs paid their last respects at the airport. The bodies of 24 Keralites and 7 from Tamil Nadu were transported by special ambulance. The body of one person from Karnataka and those from other states were flown to Delhi.