SRINAGAR: A young man from Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, Sandesh Singh, has died in a road accident in Queenstown, New Zealand, with efforts underway to repatriate his mortal remains to India.
The following is the update regarding Late Shri Sandesh Singh from district Doda, who passed away in an unfortunate road accident in New Zealand, and assistance was sought by the family through MLA Doda West and former Minister, Sh Shakti Raj Parihar.
We are continuously following up the matter with the High Commission of India there, and all efforts are being made to arrange for repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased, at the earliest.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) October 7, 2026
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday that his office was following up the matter with the High Commission of India in New Zealand after Sandesh Singh’s family sought assistance through Doda West MLA and former minister Shakti Raj Parihar.
“We are continuously following up the matter with the High Commission of India there, and all efforts are being made to arrange for repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased, at the earliest,” Jitendra Singh said in a post on X.
According to information shared by the Indian mission, New Zealand Police reported a fatal road accident in Queenstown on October 4 involving a person believed to be Sandesh Singh, an Indian passport holder.
Formal identification of the deceased was pending, as police said visual identification was not possible due to facial injuries sustained in the accident. No dental records were available, while there was no next of kin in New Zealand to facilitate identification through DNA analysis.
The formal identification process was expected to be completed on October 7, after which the necessary procedures for the release and repatriation of the mortal remains could be undertaken.
Sandesh had reportedly been in New Zealand for around six months and was travelling in a vehicle with three other people when the accident occurred on State Highway 6 at Kawarau Falls.
His close friend, Surinder Singh, has launched a fundraising appeal to meet expenses related to repatriation, documentation and funeral arrangements. Any funds remaining after meeting these expenses are expected to support Sandesh’s mother.
The High Commission of India has been coordinating with New Zealand Police, the family and members of the Indian community in Queenstown and has assured them of all possible consular assistance in the repatriation process.
