Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of seven members of the Behera family, who died in a road accident in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, were brought back to Odisha in separate ambulances on Sunday evening.
The convoy, which began its journey from Nalakheda in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday night, crossed into Odisha under police escort and reached the state capital on Sunday evening, after covering nearly 350 km. Government officials and police personnel accompanied the ambulances to ensure dignified arrangements.
The deceased were identified as Shivprasad Behera, Rosalin Behera, Geetarani Behera, Gyanendra Behera, Saiswarna Prabha Behera, Krishna Rajvir, and Saiswatik Behera—all relatives of a well‑known dhaba owner from Jaydev Vihar. An eighth victim, the driver employed by a local travel agency, also lost his life.
The family had visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and was en route to Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalakheda when their vehicle was swept away by a strong current while attempting to cross a flooded drain.
The state government arranged a formal reception and extended support to the bereaved families, with senior police officers overseeing the process was conducted respectfully and without disruption.