Minister’s swift intervention helps kin bid final goodbye to son killed in Canada crash

A grieving family from Ludhiana was able to bring home the remains of its 27-year-old son, Harnoor Singh, who tragically passed away in Canada, following the timely intervention of Punjab Cabinet Minister for NRI Affairs Sanjeev Arora.

Harnoor, the son of prominent Ludhiana industrialist Gurcharan Singh, lost his life on October 6 in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, when his motorcycle was struck by a truck driven by an intoxicated driver. The family, devastated by the loss, faced significant challenges in navigating the repatriation process, which typically spans about two weeks.

Seeking urgent support, the family reached out to the minister through Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, on the night of October 8, requesting expedited arrangements to bring Harnoor’s body back to India.

Acting promptly, Arora wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent assistance. In his letter, the minister stated: “The bereaved family is devastated and in an acute state of sorrow following the tragedy. As the Minister of NRI Affairs, Punjab, I earnestly request your urgent and compassionate intervention to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains of Harnoor Singh to India at the earliest.”

The minister coordinated directly with the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the MEA to expedite the process. He also contacted officials overnight to ensure that the victim’s mortal remains could be returned to Ludhiana without further delay.

After the request, the Indian Embassy in Canada coordinated with the Canadian authorities to expedite the process. The embassy requested the Canadian Government for a fast-track release and after the Government of Canada issued the death certificate, the body was cleared for transport.

The minister said thanks to the swift coordination, Harnoor’s mortal remains were flown back to India and cremated in Ludhiana on Tuesday, allowing his family to perform the last rites as per Sikh tradition.