Devastated Hyderabad family battles to bring son’s body back from Canada after tragic drowning

A tragic incident has struck a family in Hyderabad, India, after their son drowned in a lake in Toronto, Canada, while celebrating his birthday. Praneeth, a student who had moved to Canada in 2019 for his Master’s degree, drowned during a birthday outing with friends at Lake Clear, Toronto. The family is now appealing to the Indian and Telangana state governments to help bring Praneeth’s body back to India for his final rites.

Praneeth, a resident of Meerpet, Hyderabad, had been living in Canada for his studies and was also searching for a job. He decided to celebrate his birthday with friends at Lake Clear, an area known for its scenic beauty but also marked with warnings about swimming safety. While swimming, Praneeth got separated from his group, and his friends quickly realised he had not resurfaced. Emergency services were called, and after an intensive search operation, rescue teams retrieved his body from the lake the following day.

The news has devastated Praneeth’s family back in Hyderabad. His father has urged the state and central governments to expedite the repatriation process. He cited the emotional and financial burden the family faces as they struggle to bring their son home. According to Indian law, repatriation of mortal remains involves extensive paperwork, diplomatic coordination, and significant financial resources, often beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The family hopes that both the Indian High Commission in Canada and local Indian authorities will intervene swiftly.

Praneeth’s friends in Canada have been coordinating with local authorities and the Indian consulate to expedite the necessary paperwork. The Indian community in Canada, along with various local organisations, have also offered their support, both emotionally and financially, to the grieving family. However, the process remains challenging, often taking weeks to complete. Friends have also created social media campaigns to raise awareness and financial aid for the family.

Expert Opinion: Challenges of Repatriation and the Need for Preparedness

Repatriating bodies of Indian citizens from foreign countries can be a complicated process, especially in countries like Canada, where legal protocols are stringent. Experts emphasise the importance of having insurance or other financial safeguards for international students. According to experts in international law and student safety, many students and their families often overlook the importance of emergency insurance that covers repatriation. They point out that while studying abroad offers vast opportunities, it also requires awareness and preparation for unforeseen circumstances.

An immigration lawyer based in Toronto noted that “the process of repatriating a body involves navigating both the legal system of the host country and the home country, which is often laden with bureaucratic hurdles.” They further explained that this process might include securing death certificates, police clearances, and embalming certificates, along with the costly airfare for transporting the remains.

Community Support and Awareness

The incident has triggered a wave of support from the Indian diaspora in Canada, as well as calls for greater awareness of safety measures while living or studying abroad. Community leaders have started advocating for mandatory safety briefings for new international students, focusing on risks associated with outdoor activities like swimming, particularly in unfamiliar locations.

Praneeth’s family, while grappling with this personal tragedy, hopes that the government intervention will be prompt and that no other family faces such a devastating situation. They continue to appeal for help from Indian authorities, hoping for their son’s dignified return to his homeland, where his final rites can be performed as per their customs.