Gudari: A 23-year-old migrant worker from Odisha’s Rayagada district died in a road accident in Gujarat, leaving his elderly parents devastated. Unable to afford the transportation of his body back to their native village, the family was forced to perform his last rites in Gujarat with the help of fellow Odia migrants.

The deceased has been identified as Hemananda Nimal, son of Titimiri Nimal and Golapi Nimal of Gouda Dhepaguda village under Pendili Gram Panchayat in Gudari block of Rayagada district.

According to reports, Hemananda was working at a private company in Vadodara, Gujarat, after migrating from his native village in search of employment.

The accident occurred on Sunday when he was travelling on a scooter along a state highway for some work. A speeding Hyva truck allegedly rammed into his scooter from behind, killing him on the spot.

After receiving information about the accident, his relatives living in Gujarat rushed to the spot and took him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The Gujarat Police subsequently conducted a post-mortem examination and handed over his body to his relatives.

However, the family’s financial condition made it impossible to transport his mortal remains from Gujarat to their native village in Rayagada. With assistance from fellow Odia migrants living in Gujarat, the family members eventually performed his last rites there.

The untimely death has plunged the family into grief. Hemananda was reportedly the sole earning member of the household, and his loss has left his elderly parents facing an uncertain future.

The news has triggered an outpouring of grief among villagers, relatives and friends in his native area.

Migrant labour crisis in Gudari

The incident has once again highlighted the hardships faced by migrant workers from the Gudari region, where limited local employment opportunities force hundreds of young men to migrate to other states every year in search of livelihoods.

Several workers from the region have reportedly lost their lives in similar incidents while working outside Odisha, leaving their families struggling with both emotional and financial distress.

With the loss of their only earning son, Hemananda’s parents are now struggling to cope with the tragedy. The family has made an emotional appeal to the district administration and the state government for financial assistance and support during this difficult time.