The family of Nepali Hindu student Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, has confirmed that he was murdered while in captivity.
In a deeply emotional statement, the Joshi family said they received “the most devastating news” after months of clinging to hope that their son was alive. “A week ago, we shared proof of life of our beloved son, Bipin. It was filmed in Hamas tunnels about a month after October 7, showing our son healthy and strong,” the family said.
“With immense pain, we received today the most devastating news.”
Bipin, 23, had travelled to Israel for a year-long agricultural “learn and earn” programme just weeks before the Hamas assault. He was working on a citrus and lemon farm when terrorists stormed his kibbutz.
According to reports, Bipin heroically grabbed a live grenade thrown into a shelter and hurled it away, saving the lives of his friends before being taken hostage. “Today we can say out loud: Bipin, you are a hero! The grenade you deflected before being brutally abducted saved the lives of your friends,” his family said.
“We were so afraid they would discover you were a hero and hurt you; we only prayed you would survive.”
Hamas this week released the names of four hostages confirmed dead—Bipin Joshi, Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, and Daniel Perez—whose bodies were handed over to the Red Cross.
Israeli police escorted the coffins to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for identification. Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, confirmed that DNA tests are underway and that Bipin’s body will be returned to his family in Kathmandu once identification is complete. Ambassador Pandit told the Kathmandu Post:
“It will take around 24 to 48 hours for the results. Once confirmed, the body will be handed over to his family in Kathmandu.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly broke the news to Bipin’s mother and sister via video link, ending months of agonising uncertainty for the Joshi family.
Earlier this year, the family had released a short video—obtained through Israeli intelligence—showing Bipin alive in captivity. In the 33-second clip, he introduces himself calmly to the camera:
“My name is Bipin Joshi. I am from Nepal. I am 23 years old. I came here for the ‘Learn and Earn’ programme. I work on a citrus and lemon farm.”
The video, believed to have been filmed in November 2023, was a rare “proof of life” and became a symbol of hope for the family and Nepalese community.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had used all available diplomatic channels—including with Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the United States—to seek Joshi’s release.
Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki also expressed deep shock and grief over the brutal killing of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali Hindu national abducted by Hamas from Israel on 7 October 2023. Joshi’s mortal remains were being returned to Nepal, bringing closure to his family after months of anguish. PM Karki extended heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, condemning the act of terrorism and reaffirming Nepal’s solidarity with peace and humanity.
“We stand with the family of Bipin Joshi and with all innocent victims of violence.”
The Joshi family expressed their gratitude to the governments of Israel, Nepal, and the United States, including President Donald Trump, for their support in bringing Bipin’s remains home. “Bipin, our hearts ache knowing you will never know how hard we fought for you,” the family said.
“Soon, you will return home to your eternal rest, and we will continue to fight—for sanity, for strength, for the future, just as you asked.”
Across Israel, the October 7 Hamas attack claimed 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, including foreign workers like Bipin. Reports have since revealed hostages were tortured, denied food and medicine, and used as human shields in tunnels beneath Gaza.
Bipin Joshi’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the global reach of Hamas’ brutality — a young Hindu student who left Nepal seeking opportunity, and whose courage and sacrifice now unite two grieving nations.
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