The mortal remains of Bipin Joshi, the 24-year-old Nepali student from Kanchanpur who was abducted and killed by Hamas in Israel, arrived in Dhangadhi on Monday evening amid deep mourning and state honors. The body, flown in by a Nepali Army sky truck, will be taken to his home before his cremation on Tuesday morning.
Arrival at Dhangadhi Airport
The flight carrying Joshi’s body landed at Dhangadhi Airport around 6:30 PM on Monday. His remains were received by local representatives, the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, and outgoing MP Tara Lama Tamang, who represents Kanchanpur. The Sudurpaschim Provincial Police escorted the casket as a formal tribute, while hundreds of locals gathered at the airport to pay their last respects. Bipin’s body arrived in Kathmandu in Monday.
“Bipin’s return marks a closure to a long chapter of uncertainty. We honor his courage and express solidarity with his family,” said outgoing MP Tara Lama Tamang during the brief reception.
Government Tributes & Support
Provincial authorities, including Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, have announced Rs 200,000 in financial relief to Joshi’s family. Similar support, the Chief Minister said, has already been provided to families of other victims from Sudurpaschim Province who lost their lives during the Hamas attacks.
“We share the grief of Bipin’s family. The government stands with every Nepali affected by this conflict,” Chief Minister Shah said.
From Abduction to Repatriation: A Timeline of Tragedy
Joshi, an agriculture student at Kibbutz Alumim near the Gaza border, was abducted by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, during the coordinated assault that killed several foreign workers.
A month later, video footage released by Hamas showed Joshi alive in captivity – sparking nationwide appeals in Nepal for his safe return.
Following a U.S.-mediated peace plan, Hamas handed over Joshi’s body to Israeli authorities last week as part of an exchange involving hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Forensic experts at the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv confirmed his identity through DNA testing before the repatriation process began.
Final Journey and Cremation
After arrival in Dhangadhi, the coffin-draped in the Nepali national flag-was transferred under tight security to his hometown in Kanchanpur. His funeral rites are scheduled to take place Tuesday morning, with family members, community leaders, and officials expected to attend.
Broader Context
Joshi’s death highlights the vulnerability of Nepali youth working or studying abroad under international exchange programs. Nepal lost 10 of its citizens in the October 7 Hamas assault, sparking diplomatic tension and urgent repatriation efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Israeli government.
FAQ
When did Bipin Joshi’s body arrive in Dhangadhi?
His body arrived at Dhangadhi Airport on Monday evening around 6:30 PM via a Nepali Army aircraft.
When will Bipin Joshi’s cremation take place?
The cremation of Bipin Joshi is scheduled for Tuesday morning at his family residence in Kanchanpur.
Who attended the reception at Dhangadhi Airport?
Outgoing MP Tara Lama Tamang, the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, and provincial officials were present at the airport ceremony.
What relief has been provided to the family?
The Sudurpaschim provincial government has announced Rs 200,000 in financial relief to Joshi’s family.
How was Bipin Joshi’s body identified?
DNA testing at Israel’s National Centre of Forensic Medicine confirmed Joshi’s identity before his repatriation to Nepal.
Dear god