Family Demands Urgent Government Action to Repatriate Body of Indian Man Drowned in Canada
The family of a 32-year-old man from Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan is pleading for immediate government intervention after his body has not been brought back to India even 10 days following his tragic death in Canada. Raghav Soni, also known as Raghvendra Singh Kshatriya, a resident of Begu, reportedly drowned on April 11 in Heart Lake located in Brampton, near Toronto, due to a boating accident. He had been employed with an insurance company in Canada for the past six years, while his family continued to reside in Rajasthan.
Congress Leader Submits Petition to President and Authorities
Charmesh Sharma, a Congress leader and former director of the Rajasthan State Seed Corporation based in Bundi, took action by submitting an online petition to President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday. He urgently called for steps to repatriate the body without further delay. Additionally, Sharma wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, requesting coordination with Canadian authorities to facilitate the process.
Sharma revealed that the family has received multiple assurances from officials that the body would be sent to India, but it has yet to arrive, causing immense distress. He also approached the National Human Rights Commission, emphasizing that a dignified last rite is a fundamental right that must be upheld.
Appeal to International Norms and Government Coordination
In his petition, Sharma referenced international norms that advocate for the timely repatriation of mortal remains, urging the Indian government to prioritize this matter. He stressed the need for the Centre to engage with Canadian authorities to expedite the process and ensure the body is returned promptly for final rites.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by families in cross-border incidents and underscores the importance of swift governmental action in such humanitarian cases.
