In a compassionate intervention, the Odisha government facilitated the return of the mortal remains of a young man from Bolangir district who passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The assistance came after a social media appeal highlighted the family’s financial hardship and inability to bring him home.
Mortal Remains Reach Native Village
The mortal remains of Debendra Suna arrived at Siletpada village under Saintala block in Bolangir district at around 2 am on Saturday. Family members and villagers gathered to pay their final respects before his last rites were performed later in the day.
The return of the body brought relief to the grieving family, which had been struggling to arrange transportation from Karnataka.
Family Faced Financial Crisis After Death
Debendra Suna reportedly died due to anaemia while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Following his death, his elderly parents were unable to clear the hospital dues and arrange for the transportation of his body to Odisha.
According to reports, the family was asked to settle pending hospital bills amounting to nearly ₹1.5 lakh before the body could be released.
With limited financial resources, the family appealed for help.
Social Media Appeal Triggered Quick Response
The issue gained attention after a youth named Debi Prasad shared the family’s plight on social media platform X. In his post, he sought assistance from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
The appeal quickly reached government officials. Within a short time, the offices of the Chief Minister and Health Minister, along with the Labour Department, began coordinating efforts to support the family.
Government Clears Dues, Facilitates Return
Authorities arranged financial assistance to clear the pending hospital dues through the Bolangir Red Cross. Once the dues were settled, the hospital released the mortal remains.
Government agencies then coordinated the transportation process, ensuring that Debendra’s body was brought back to his native village without further delay.
The swift action has been widely appreciated by local residents and social media users.
Mother Recalls Painful Ordeal
Speaking about the family’s struggle, Debendra’s mother Rajani Suna said her son fell ill and was admitted to a hospital on June 1. He passed away on June 3 after undergoing treatment.
She said the family was informed that substantial dues remained unpaid and that the body would not be released until the amount was cleared.
Unable to arrange the money, the family sought help from the government. Following official intervention, the dues were settled and the body was transported back to Odisha.
Example of Timely Humanitarian Support
The incident highlights how social media can help bring urgent issues to the attention of authorities. It also reflects the role of government agencies and local institutions in supporting families during difficult times.
For Debendra Suna’s family, the intervention ensured that their loved one could finally return home and receive a dignified farewell in his native village.
