The body of 26-year-old Pawan Kumar, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances at New Jersey in the US, is expected to reach the family members in the city on Saturday, or by Monday. On Thursday, the family members visited the office of Cognizant Technologies in the city and completed the formalities to secure Pawan Kumar’s body.
Pawan’s uncle Mr Krishnappa said, “There is no information from the US government about the return of the body. However, Cognizant Technologies, where Pawan was working in the US, has assured us that they will ensure that the body is brought back within the week”. Mr Krishnappa also said the company had promised to bear the cost of about Rs 4.6 lakh to bring the body back to the country by flight. According to MEA officials who spoke to a few TV channels, the body is likely to arrive in the city by Saturday. The ministry is also helping out the company with the legal processes and documentation required to bring Pawan’s body home, sources said.
The company also said that the documents and reports pertaining to Pawan’s death will be sent within two to three weeks. “We are solely dependent on the company and have not received any confirmation from the MEA. We have no idea as to what procedures will be followed while bringing the body”, Mr Krishnappa said. “We are hoping that the company helps the family financially since Pawan was the earning member of the family,” he added.
Pawan was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a room at Belleville Motor Lodge, in Belleville, New Jersey. He is suspected to have murdered a 26-year-old Danielle Mehlman (26), a teacher and a part-time dancer at a club. She was found murdered two days before Kumar was found dead. Mehlman’s body was discovered by housekeepers in a room of the motel on June 18.