An overwhelming shadow of grief has descended upon Jaydev Vihar in the capital city following a catastrophic accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region, where seven members of a single Odia family lost their lives after their car plunged into a water body.
The tragic incident, which also claimed the life of the local driver, has left the community in deep shock and profound sorrow.
A Family Wiped Out
The victims belonged to the family of Banamali Behera, a resident of Gadakana who has run a local dhaba near Jaydev Vihar for the past 35 years. The scale of the loss is staggering, wiping out multiple generations of the family.
The deceased include:
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Siba Behera (40), Banamali’s only son
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Krishna Rajveer Behera / Chris (13), Shib’s son
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Saira Swayamprabha Behera (7), Shib’s daughter
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Ritarani Behera (35), Banamali’s middle daughter
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Gyanendra Behera (40), Ritarani’s husband and son-in-law
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Sai Swastik Behera / Rishi (11), Ritarani and Gyanendra’s son
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Radharani Behera (30), Banamali’s younger daughter
According to family members, the group had boarded a train for Madhya Pradesh on the night of September 16. Just hours before the tragedy, the family had spoken via video call. The grief is compounded by the fact that Radharani’s engagement was scheduled for September 27, and extensive preparations and shopping for the upcoming ceremony had already been completed.
“My Whole Family Has Flown Away”
Devastated and inconsolable, grandfather Banamali Behera recounted how the family left quietly, as they had on previous leisure trips, unaware it would be their final farewell.
“We are poor people. I run a hotel to sustain my family. I have lived in Jaydev Vihar for 35 years, but today my entire family has been washed away,” Banamali said, breaking down in tears. “We urgently request the administration to bring the mortal bodies back to us so we can find some closure.”
Administration Steps In
Following the heartbreaking news, local leaders including Bhubaneswar North MLA Sushant Kumar Rout and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das visited the grieving household to offer condolences and support.
Mayor Sulochana Das stated that coordination is underway with authorities to expedite the repatriation process. “We are in constant touch to ensure the mortal remains are flown or transported back to Bhubaneswar at the earliest so the family can perform the final rites,” she said.
