Nuapada district has once again witnessed the tragic plight of migrant workers. Sixteen days after his death in Mumbai, the body of Devkumar Thela (30) from Bhojpur village under Khariar police limits still awaits repatriation.
Devkumar, who migrated to Maharashtra for work, was employed with a builder company in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. On January 19, he fell from the third floor of a building site and died instantly, according to his co-workers. They informed his wife, Jharani Parabhu, and even sent her photos of his body.
Since then, Jharani has been desperately trying to bring her husband’s body back to their native village. She approached the company owner, but he refused to help. She then visited Khariar police station, the district labour office, and other officials, but received no support. Finally, she submitted a petition at the Collector’s grievance cell, pleading for immediate intervention.
Neighbours and women from the village accompanied Jharani to the Collector’s office, demanding that the administration arrange for the body’s return and conduct a proper investigation into the circumstances of Devkumar’s death.
The case highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers from Nuapada, who often fall prey to exploitation and unsafe working conditions outside Odisha. Despite repeated awareness drives, many workers remain excluded from official welfare schemes, leaving families helpless when tragedy strikes.
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