Bipin Joshi of Kanchanpur, who died in Gaza while being held hostage by Hamas, was cremated this morning at Bhujelaghat on the banks of the Mahakali River.
Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, Laxman Dhakal, draped the national flag over Joshi’s body to pay tribute. After that, a contingent of the Armed Police Force offered a ceremonial salute in his honor.
According to the forensic report provided by Israel, Bipin was shot in the head and killed by Hamas after being taken hostage during the Israel–Hamas war. Hamas had only made public the information regarding his death in the last week of October. Bipin had reached Israel along with other Nepali students two years ago to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. During the Hamas attack, he was abducted and taken hostage.
Despite national and international pressure for his safe release, Hamas eventually confirmed that he was no longer alive. After completing legal procedures, his body was brought to Kathmandu on Monday afternoon and transported to his home in Mahendranagar later in the evening. At Bhujelaghat, his father Mahanand Joshi and uncle Ramdutt Joshi performed the final rites.
Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder (Samuilik Eri Bas), attended the funeral at Bhujelaghat, read a condolence message from the President of Israel, and draped the Israeli flag over Bipin’s body. The ambassador-led team traveled with the body from Kathmandu and participated in the funeral rites. According to family sources, the final mourning rituals (Kriyā) are being performed by Bipin’s uncle Ramdutt Joshi.
A large number of people, including local representatives, the Israeli delegation, Bipin’s relatives, friends, and members of the public, participated in the funeral procession.
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