Odia youth dies in Qatar amid Middle East tensions; family seeks help to bring back body

An Odia youth from Ganjam district reportedly died in Qatar amid the tense situation prevailing in the Middle East, leaving his family and villagers in deep shock and grief.

According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Kuna Khuntia, a resident of Naikanipalli village under Khalikote block in Ganjam district. He reportedly passed away in Qatar on Saturday under circumstances that are yet to be fully known.

Sources said Kuna had travelled to Qatar around four months ago in search of employment, hoping to support his family and repay outstanding loans. Like many youths from the region who migrate abroad for better livelihood opportunities, he had taken the step to improve his family’s financial condition. However, his sudden and untimely death has left his family devastated.

News of his death has plunged the entire village into mourning, with relatives, neighbours, and well-wishers expressing grief over the tragic loss of the young man.

The bereaved family has now appealed to the state and central governments to facilitate the return of his mortal remains to his native village so that the last rites can be performed in his homeland. Family members also expressed concern about the difficulties involved in bringing the body back amid the prevailing tensions and war-like situation in parts of the Middle East.

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They have urged authorities to extend necessary assistance and coordinate with officials in Qatar to ensure that Kuna Khuntia’s body is brought back to Odisha at the earliest.

“He (Kuna) had dinner and went to sleep. We do not know what happened between 3 pm and 4 pm. One of his friends informed us about his death in the morning,” said the deceased's father Jay Khuntia.

“I request the authorities to kindly help bring the body of my brother back home. He (Kuna) had gone to Qatar about five months ago in search of work, as he could not find any employment here and wanted to repay his family's loans,” said the deceased's sister Buli Khuntia.