Train accident in Japan; Devika's ashes handed over to family in Kannur

KANNUR: Officials handed over the ashes of Devika—a native of Padiyoor in Kannur, who died after being struck by a train in Japan— to her family. Irikkur MLA Sajeev Joseph presented the ashes to the family. Due to financial constraints, the family were unable to travel to Japan for the funeral rites. The ashes arrived in Thiruvananthapuram by flight from Japan at around 2:30 AM on Thursday; received by officials from NORKA-Roots and subsequently transported to Kannur by train.

Devika, who worked as a nursing care assistant in Gifu Prefecture, died on September 2nd after being struck by a train. It is believed to be a case of suicide, though the underlying reason remains unclear. As the body was severely dismembered, the funeral was conducted in Japan. Given the difficulty in repatriating the remains, the funeral was held in Japan with the family's consent, facilitated by the Union Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy, ​​and representatives of the Malayali community in Japan.

Devika, who had completed a lab technician course, began working at a social welfare institution in Japan six months ago. After being unable to contact her, the family filed a complaint, even with the Chief Minister. It was during this time that news arrived that the teen died after being struck by a train.