The body of Bipin Joshi, a 24-year-old from Kanchanpur who was killed while in Hamas captivity, was brought to Dhangadhi Airport on Monday evening at 6:30 pm via a Nepali Army's sky truck. His body is scheduled to be taken to his home later by Monday night, with cremation planned for Tuesday morning.

Outgoing Member of Parliament Tara Lama Tamang, representing Kanchanpur, and the Israeli Ambassador were present at the airport. Provincial police are providing an escort for the funeral vehicle from the airport to Joshi’s residence.

Joshi was abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Alumim, a farming settlement near the Gaza border in southern Israel. A month later, the Israeli army located a video showing him alive in captivity.

Hamas handed over Joshi’s body last Monday as part of the first phase of a US-proposed Middle East peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. DNA testing by the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv confirmed his identity.

The Sudurpaschim provincial government has announced Rs200,000 in financial relief to Joshi’s family.

Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah stated that similar support has already been provided to families of seven other residents of the province who lost their lives in Hamas attacks.