Germany Apartment Fire: Bodies of Two Indians Reach Kerala
The bodies of Sivin Johny and Anjali, who died in a Bochum apartment fire, have arrived in Kerala. Investigations in Germany continue.
The heartbreaking wait for several families in Kerala has come to an end as the bodies of two Indian students, who tragically lost their lives in an apartment fire in Bochum, Germany, arrived at Nedumbassery Airport around 1:30 am on Friday. The arrival of Sivin Johny and Anjali was met by grieving relatives and public representatives, marking the beginning of the final rites for the young victims.
Final Journey Home
Following their arrival at the airport, the bodies were transported to CEA Hospital in Aluva to complete the necessary legal and medical formalities. The schedules for the final farewells have been set as follows:
- Sivin Johny: His body will be taken to his residence at Thottakath, Manickamangalam, Kalady, by 6:30 am. A prayer service is scheduled for 2 pm at his home, followed by a funeral at St. Rocky’s Church in Manickamangalam.
- Anjali: A native of Periyanad in the Kollam district, Anjali's body has been transported to her hometown for the final rites.
The tragedy, however, still leaves one family waiting. Nova Sabu, a native of Idukki who also perished in the blaze after inhaling smoke, is expected to arrive at Nedumbassery Airport later on Friday evening, around 8:15 pm.
Suspicion and Investigation in Germany
While the families prepare for the funerals, the investigation into how the fire started continues in Germany. The incident has taken a grim turn as authorities have moved away from the theory of an accident.
On October 14, police and prosecutors revealed that a detailed examination conducted by fire experts ruled out any technical defects as the cause of the blaze. This discovery has shifted the focus toward a 41-year-old resident of the building. The suspect is currently being questioned by investigators from the homicide commission, with the probe proceeding under the direction of the Bochum prosecutor's office.
Diplomatic Support
The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt have been actively involved in the aftermath of the tragedy. In an official statement shared on X, the embassy confirmed that all three victims—two women and one man—were students pursuing their education in Germany.
"The Embassy of India in Berlin and Consulate General of India in Frankfurt are in contact with local authorities and the bereaved families, and are extending all necessary assistance. The incident is under investigation by German authorities. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief," the embassy stated.