Published Oct 16, 2026 | 1:50 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 16, 2026 | 1:50 PM
Sajeev Joseph MLA handing over the ashes to Devika’s father, Prakashan.
The ashes of V. Devika, a native of Padiyoor in Iritty, Kannur who died after being struck by a bullet train in Japan, were handed over to her family at her residence in Nediyodi, Padiyoor, amid tributes from relatives and local residents.
Irikkur MLA Adv. Sajeev Joseph received the ashes from NORKA-ROOTS officials Jayakumar M. and Manoj Kumar and handed them over to Devika’s father, Prakashan.
The ashes arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport early Thursday, 15 October, and were transported to Kannur by train under the supervision of NORKA officials.
Devika was found dead after being struck by a bullet train at Kakamigahara in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture on September 2.
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As her mortal remains could not be brought back to India, her funeral rites were conducted in Japan with the family’s consent and in accordance with Hindu traditions.
The ceremony was organised with the assistance of the Indian Embassy, the Union Ministry of External Affairs and Nihon Kairali, an organisation of Malayalis in Japan. It was also livestreamed for her family in Keralam.
NORKA-ROOTS coordinated the procedures for the cremation and repatriation of the ashes, with assistance from Sajeev Joseph.
The family had been unable to travel to Japan due to financial constraints.
Devika, the eldest daughter of Prakashan and Beena, had gone to Japan on a three-year employment contract after completing Plus Two, a lab technician course and an eight-month Japanese language programme in Nileshwaram.
She had been working as a nursing assistant at the Igalo Chowan Social Welfare Corporation for the past six months.
Her family had sought intervention after she went missing.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, MP K. Sudhakaran and MLA Sajeev Joseph had intervened in the matter.
Padiyoor grama panchayat president Sreeja, vice-president P.V. Rajeev, panchayat members Thankamani K., V. Shahana Rajeev and K.V. Manoharan, Iritty tahsildar N. Seema and Iritty Police Inspector Sathyanathan K.V. were among those who paid their respects.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
