Odia Youth Killed in Suspected Drone Strike in Russia; Mortal Remains Yet To Reach Home

Bhubaneswar: Four days after an Odia youth was killed in a suspected drone strike in Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, his mortal remains were yet to be repatriated to his native village in Odisha’s Ganjam district, leaving the bereaved family in anguish and uncertainty.

The deceased, identified as A. Ramaya, hailed from Madhabandha village under Chikiti block in Ganjam district. According to family members and local sources, Ramaya had travelled to Russia nearly a month ago after securing employment through a recruitment agency.

The incident reportedly took place on Saturday while Ramaya was at work in a company located in Russia. During working hours, the area allegedly came under a drone attack linked to the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in his death.

News of the tragedy has plunged the family and the entire village into grief, with growing anxiety over the delay in bringing his body back home for the final rites.

As days passed without any progress in the repatriation process, Ramaya’s father contacted the owner of the recruitment agency that had facilitated his son’s overseas placement. Following the discussion, the agency owner reportedly arranged a video conference with the CEO of the Russian company where Ramaya had been employed.

During the interaction, both sides discussed the formalities and logistical arrangements required to transport the mortal remains from Russia to Odisha.

Sources said the recruitment agency has also sent official communications to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi and relevant authorities in the Government of India, seeking urgent intervention to expedite the repatriation process.

Meanwhile, the grieving family continued to wait anxiously for assistance from the authorities to ensure the return of Ramaya’s mortal remains to his native village at the earliest.