Families await return of 3 Indians killed in Germany fire; Kerala CM assures help with repatriation

The deceased were identified as Sivin Johny, 26, Nova Sabu, 25 and Anjali Sheela Joy, 27.

Three families in Kerala are awaiting the return of the mortal remains of their loved ones who died in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, as public representatives seek the Centre’s intervention to expedite the repatriation process. The deceased were identified as Sivin Johny, 26, of Kalady in Ernakulam district, Nova Sabu, 25, of Kattappana in Idukki district, and Anjali Sheela Joy, 27, of Chemmakkad in Kollam district. The three had travelled to Germany to pursue studies or seek employment. Their families are in touch with relatives and contacts in Germany while awaiting the completion of formalities to bring the bodies back to Kerala for the last rites.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said his office was coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Germany and Malayali associations to ensure the mortal remains were brought home at the earliest. In a post on X, Satheesan expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He said the state government, through NORKA Roots, would bear all expenses related to repatriating the bodies. Public representatives, including MPs and MLAs, have also approached the MEA, seeking its intervention to speed up the necessary procedures.

Lok Sabha MP Benny Behanan visited Sivin Johny’s home in Kalady on Thursday and met his parents and other relatives. In a Facebook post, he expressed grief over the deaths and said he was in touch with the German Embassy and contacts in Germany to help bring the mortal remains back. Behanan also urged the Centre and the Kerala government to expedite the formalities. Johny had travelled to Germany last month in search of employment and was expected to start a job this week, a relative told reporters. His brother, Salvin, is pursuing nursing studies in Germany.

Anjali Sheela Joy had travelled to Germany in July to look for a teaching job. She was working at a warehouse while searching for opportunities in the education sector, her uncle said. Her family is now awaiting the arrangements to bring her body back. Nova Sabu had moved to Germany in July to pursue her studies and was also working part-time as a gym trainer, according to her relatives. Her father, K P Sabu, is a retired police officer, while her mother, Jyothi, works at a public health centre in Chembakappara in Idukki district. The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt have said they are in contact with local authorities and the bereaved families and are providing necessary assistance. German authorities are investigating the incident. For the three families, the immediate priority remains bringing their loved ones home to Kerala so they can perform the last rites.