Anjali and Sivin laid to rest in Kerala, eight days after Germany fire tragedy

KOLLAM / KALADY: The funerals of Anjali S. Joy, 27, of Perinadu in Kollam, and Sivin Johny, 26, of Manickamangalam in Kalady, were held on Friday, eight days after they died in an apartment fire in Bochum, Germany. Anjali's funeral was held at St Sebastian Church in Chemmakkad, Kollam, with relatives and local residents in attendance. The daughter of D. Joy and Sheela Joy, she had travelled to Germany for work in July and was employed in the warehouse services division of a private company. She held a B.Ed degree. Her sister is Ashwini S. Joy.

Sivin's funeral services began at his residence in Manickamangalam around 2 pm, led by Manjapra Forane vicar Fr Varghese Pottackal. Following the prayers, which lasted about 30 minutes, his body was taken to St Rocky's Church in Manickamangalam for the funeral. The ceremonies concluded around 3.30 pm. Mar Thomas Chakiath and Benny Behanan, MP, were among those who attended the funeral services.

The bodies of Anjali and Sivin arrived at Nedumbassery airport around 1.20 am on Friday aboard an Air India flight from Delhi. Their return to Kerala had been delayed by limited air-cargo availability, although post-mortem examinations were completed on October 16.

Their friend Nova Sabu, who also died in the October 14 fire, was scheduled to have her funeral at her residence in Idukki district at 3 pm on Saturday.