KANCHANPUR: The mortal remains of 23-year-old Bipin Joshi, who was killed after being taken hostage by Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was cremated on the banks of the Mahakali River on Tuesday.
Joshi’s father, Mahananda Joshi, and his cousin Kishor Joshi lit the funeral pyre as hundreds of locals gathered to pay their final respects. Before the cremation, a contingent of the Armed Police Force offered a ceremonial salute, and Kanchanpur Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal draped the national flag over the coffin as a mark of honor.
Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass, accompanied by two other Israeli representatives, attended the funeral at the riverbank. As a gesture of respect, the Israeli flag was also placed over Joshi’s body, and a condolence message from the Israeli president was read aloud during the ceremony.
Joshi, a student at Sudurpaschim University, had gone to Israel under the ‘earn and learn’ program. He was among the 49 Nepali students working in the Sedot Negev region when Hamas launched its assault. Ten Nepalis were killed in the initial attack, and Joshi was among those taken captive.
After nearly two years, Israeli authorities confirmed Joshi’s death during the hostage exchange that followed a ceasefire with Hamas. His body was handed over to Israel and later repatriated to Nepal.
On Monday, his remains were flown to Kathmandu, where Prime Minister Sushila Karki and other ministers paid tribute at Tribhuvan International Airport. The Nepal Army then transported the body to his hometown in Bhimdutta Municipality, Kanchanpur, where the final rites were held with full honors.
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