Patna trader dies in Vietnam; family appeals to Centre alleging visa issues delaying repatriation of body
Patna, April 8 (IANS) A tragic situation has emerged for a family in Patna after Binda Singh, a city-based trader, passed away in Vietnam while undergoing treatment. For the past three days, his family has been awaiting the return of his mortal remains, but local authorities have reportedly withheld permission due to visa-related technicalities. Now, the hapless family has appealed to the Centre, seeking help to resolve the tricky issue and alleviate their distress.
Binda Singh, a resident of Vigrahpur and an electronics trader operating in the Chandni Chowk area of Patna, had traveled to Vietnam a month ago, as part of a 90-member Indian business delegation.
The trip had been organised by a private tour operator, with around 25 participants from Patna.
According to family members, Singh suffered a heart attack at an airport in Vietnam just as preparations for the group’s return journey were underway.
He was immediately rushed to a local hospital on Phu Quoc Island and later referred to another facility in Ho Chi Minh City for advanced treatment.
Relatives claim that the transfer required a separate visa for that particular city, which was not part of the original travel plan.
Despite initial signs of recovery — during which he was taken off ventilator support and shifted to a general ward — his condition deteriorated again amid the ongoing complications.
Following his death, the family has been unable to repatriate his body due to unresolved visa issues.
Additionally, his grandson and a relative, who had traveled to Vietnam after his health worsened, are also reportedly stranded there.
The situation has left the family in deep distress, with relatives in Patna appealing to authorities for urgent intervention.
“We have approached the Government of India, but nothing seems to be moving forward. The tour operator has also distanced itself. My father was over 75 and did not have travel insurance,” said Rajesh Kumar, Singh’s son.
Singh’s wife, Malti Devi, has made an emotional appeal to the government, “My husband is gone; at least bring his body back. Our children are also stranded there. We request the government to help us return home.”
His granddaughter, Amisha, said the family has been reaching out to both Indian and Vietnamese authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, urging immediate action.
“It has been over three days, yet the visa process has not moved forward. We appeal to the government to bring my grandfather’s body back,” she said.
The incident has raised concerns over coordination in handling medical emergencies and repatriation cases involving Indian citizens abroad, especially in situations involving visa complications.
–IANS
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