Patna Family's Heartbreak as Patriarch's Body Remains Stranded in Vietnam
A family from Patna is enduring immense grief and frustration following the death of their elderly patriarch in Vietnam, with his body still stranded abroad more than three days after his passing. The situation has highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and delays in international repatriation processes.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Binda Prasad Singh, a 77-year-old resident of New Bigrahpur Colony in Mithapur, Patna, traveled to Vietnam on March 6 for a business trip accompanied by two other individuals. On March 10, while awaiting his return flight at Phu Quoc Airport, he suffered a severe heart attack and was promptly admitted to a local hospital.
Due to limited medical facilities at the initial hospital, he was transferred on March 14 via ferry and ambulance to a better-equipped hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. There, he received intensive treatment for approximately 15 to 20 days, during which his condition showed signs of improvement, and he regained consciousness. Doctors indicated that he could potentially be flown back to India for further care.
Challenges in Repatriation Efforts
However, attempts to arrange an air ambulance for his return were unsuccessful due to multiple factors, including unavailability of suitable transport, visa complications, and issues related to his fitness for travel. Unfortunately, his health later deteriorated, and he passed away on April 4.
His son, Mukesh Kumar Singh, who operates an electrical business at Chandi Chowk in Patna, expressed the family's belief that a timely return to India might have enhanced his chances of survival. Binda Prasad Singh, a heart patient who had undergone bypass surgery about a decade ago, remained active and managed household affairs prior to the trip.
Family's Struggle and Allegations
Upon learning of the heart attack, his grandson Subham Singh and a relative, Sunil Basant, traveled from Kolkata to Vietnam to assist in arranging his return. Despite their efforts, nearly a month later, the repatriation process remains stalled due to ongoing visa processing delays.
Mukesh Singh explained, "My nephew and a relative are both stuck there because of visa processing delays. While my father's entry was on medical grounds, the system has not properly documented or updated the family members' visas, leaving them unable to facilitate the repatriation smoothly." The family has also alleged that errors by immigration and ferry staff, such as documents not being stamped during the transfer, created additional obstacles.
Appeals for Government Assistance
Family members reported that they have repeatedly contacted the Indian embassy for help but have received only assurances that the matter is "being looked into." His granddaughter, Amisha Singh, stated, "We have appealed to the embassy several times, but each time we are told, 'We're looking into it.' We have a right to have a final glimpse of our grandfather. The government should help to bring his body back to India as soon as possible."
In response to these challenges, the family has formally appealed to the central government and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the early return of the body for last rites, emphasizing the urgency and emotional toll of the situation.
