Rayagada: A young migrant worker from Odisha’s Rayagada district was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Kerala, adding to a growing number of deaths involving migrant labourers from the district in recent weeks.The deceased has been identified as Kuladhar Gouda, a resident of Chandagiri village under Chandragiri Panchayat in Kashipur block of Rayagada district. He had travelled to Kerala for work as a migrant labourer.According to reports, Kuladhar’s body was found hanging from a tree. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. It is yet to be determined whether he died by suicide or was murdered and his body was later hanged to make it appear otherwise. No official confirmation has been made regarding the cause of death.Family members said they are unable to explain what led to the incident. They have appealed to the Labour Department to facilitate the transportation of Kuladhar’s mortal remains back to his native village in Kashipur.The incident comes close on the heels of another similar case reported from Rayagada. On Saturday, the body of Pradeep Shabar, a resident of Alangaguda village under Sagada Gram Panchayat in Gunupur block, was also found hanging under suspicious circumstances.In another case reported in May, Bilama Gamang, a young woman from Sagada village in Gunupur block, was found hanging from a tree near the hostel of a shrimp processing company in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, where she had gone to work.The three suspected unnatural deaths within just 35 days have sparked fear and concern among migrant workers and their families in Rayagada district.According to government data, more than 50,000 youths from Rayagada district work as migrant labourers across various states, with a majority employed in southern India. Kashipur and Kalyansinghpur blocks account for the highest number of migrant workers from the district.Ironically, Kashipur is home to several mining and industrial projects, yet a significant number of young people continue to migrate to other states in search of employment, highlighting the persistent challenge of livelihood opportunities in the region.Authorities are expected to investigate the latest death to ascertain the exact circumstances behind the incident. Meanwhile, the series of unexplained deaths has raised fresh concerns over the safety and welfare of Odisha’s migrant workforce outside the state.
Rayagada youth found hanging in Kerala, third migrant worker death in 35 Days
