Odia Migrant Labourer Killed In Cuba, Family Seeks Govt Help

Berhampur: The family of an Odia migrant labourer, who was killed in a mishap in Cuba, have appealed to the government to bring back his body.

The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Maharana, a native of Khallikote in Ganjam district.

Sources said Ramesh had been working in Cuba for the past two years. On January 30, his family received the shocking news of his death in a mishap. Ramesh is survived by his parents, wife and two children.

The family is devastated by the news as Ramesh was the sole breadwinner. “I am the unfortunate mother who wants to see her son for one last time. I appeal to the government to bring back my son,” his bereaved mother, Subhadra Maharana, cried.

Renu, the deceased’s wife, is yet to recover from the shock. “I want to see my husband for the last time. I appeal to the government to extend help for our survival,” she said.

His father, Rankanath Maharana, alleged that he has approached the authorities for help, but his plea went unheard. “I have moved from pillar to post seeking attention of the tehsildar, collector, local MLA and labour office, but the body of my son is yet to reach home even after 11 days of his death,” he said.

Meanwhile, some local transgenders have extended helping hand to the family and provided Rs 5,000 in cash and 25kg rice for their survival.

Rajeswari Kinner, president of Maa Bahuti Kinner Mahasangha, said, “The man had gone abroad to earn a living and died there. How will his family members survive now?. Our association has extended some help to the bereaved family.”