The mortal remains of Kuna Khuntia, a resident of Khallikote block in Ganjam district, arrived in Odisha this morning, marking the culmination of coordinated efforts by multiple government departments to bring his body back home following his untimely death in Qatar.
Khuntia, who had migrated to Qatar approximately four months ago to work as a labourer in a private company, reportedly passed away suddenly on March 6, 2026, while resting in his room after completing his shift. The news devastated his family, who immediately appealed to the Government of Odisha for assistance in repatriating his mortal remains.
Responding promptly, the Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India), the Office of the Chief Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi, the Directorate of Odisha Paribar under the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, the Labour & Employees’ State Insurance Department, and the Ganjam district administration collaborated closely to navigate logistical and procedural challenges—amid ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East—and facilitate the repatriation.
The remains reached Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, this morning. Khallikote MLA Shri Purna Chandra Sethy and Officer on Special Duty at the Directorate of Odisha Paribar, Shri Pritish Panda, were present to receive the body and oversee arrangements for its transport to Khuntia’s native village in Naikanipalli, Khallikote block, Ganjam district, for the performance of last rites.
