Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi

Kochi, Oct 23: The bodies of Sivin Johny and Anjali, who died in a fire at an apartment in Bochum, Germany, arrived at Nedumbassery Airport in Keralam at around 1.30 am on Friday, an official said.

The bodies were received by relatives and public representatives at the airport and will be taken to CEA Hospital in Aluva for further formalities.

Sivin Johny’s body will be taken to his home at Thottakath, Manickamangalam, Kalady, at 6.30 am. His funeral will be held at St Rocky’s Church in Manickamangalam. The prayer service at his house is scheduled to begin at 2 pm, followed by the funeral.

Anjali, a native of Periyanad in Kollam district, also died in the fire. Her body has been taken to her hometown for the final rites.

Meanwhile, the body of Nova Sabu, a native of Idukki who also died after inhaling smoke in the fire, is expected to arrive at Nedumbassery Airport at 8.15 pm on Friday.

The three Indian nationals, who were studying in Germany, died following the apartment fire in Bochum.

Police and prosecutors said on October 14 that extensive investigations, including an examination by a fire expert, had ruled out a technical defect as the cause of the blaze, raising suspicion against a 41-year-old resident. The suspect has been questioned by investigators from the homicide commission, while further inquiries are continuing under the direction of the Bochum prosecutor’s office.

In a post on X on October 14, the Embassy of India said that three Indian nationals, two women and one man, had died in the fire in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia.

The embassy and the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt said they were in contact with local authorities and the bereaved families and were extending all necessary assistance. The incident remains under investigation by German authorities.