Body of Indian Student Found in UK Lake to be Repatriated to Kerala on Sunday
The body of Vishnu Jayakumar, a 26-year-old Indian student who was tragically found dead in a shallow lake in Coventry, United Kingdom, will be brought back to his native place in Attingal, Kerala, on Sunday. The funeral is scheduled to be held at 9 AM at the premises of his family home, marking a somber conclusion to a case that has raised questions and concerns among relatives.
Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance
Vishnu, the son of Jayakumar and Shimna, had been staying in the UK when he went out to a pub with two friends on January 31. The following day, one of the friends, a native of Andhra Pradesh who had accompanied Vishnu, contacted the family to report that Vishnu was missing. However, relatives later alleged that when they sought further details, this friend provided contradictory information regarding the events leading up to Vishnu's disappearance, deepening the mystery.
Concerned by the inconsistencies, the family promptly lodged a missing person complaint with the West Midlands Police in the UK. After an intensive search effort, the police recovered Vishnu's body on the fourth day from a shallow lake in the Coventry area. The family has termed the death as mysterious, expressing doubts about the circumstances and calling for a thorough investigation.
Family Seeks Intervention and Assistance
In response to the tragic event, Vishnu's family sought the intervention of Adoor Prakash, a Member of Parliament, to ensure a proper investigation into the case and to expedite the process of repatriating his body to India. A formal petition was submitted to multiple authorities, including the Indian High Commission in the UK, the West Midlands Police, and the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting necessary assistance and support.
The authorities, after completing all required official formalities, have made arrangements for the repatriation of Vishnu's body. This process involves coordination between international agencies to bring closure to the grieving family in Kerala.
Broader Context and Community Impact
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian students abroad and underscores the importance of robust support systems for families during such crises. The case has drawn attention to the need for transparent investigations in international jurisdictions, especially when involving foreign nationals.
As the body arrives in Attingal, the community is expected to gather to pay their respects, reflecting the deep impact of this loss on local residents. The funeral proceedings will be a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks associated with studying overseas.
