New Zealand Police had not released the cause of the death of a young Indian in Invercargill as we went to press over the weekend.
Invercargill Police did not name the 28-year-old man found dead on September 8 in Winton but we can confirm that he was Krishanth Pillai from Erode (Tamil Nadu).
However, the cause of his death has not been announced since the Police are yet to release the autopsy report.
Indian Newslink was informed of the incident later that day by New Zealand Telugu Association Joint Secretary Devender Chandri and since then we have been assisting the dead man’s friends Ramesh Raj Sundaraj and Deepan Kumar in various tasks and coordinating with the Indian High Commission in Wellington.
Mr Sundaraj told us that he and Deepan had flown to Invercargill to identify the body and request the Police to expedite procedures.
“Krishanth comes from a poor family and his devastated parents wanted the body to be flown home so that they could see their son for the last time and perform the last rites. The Police and High Commission officials were extremely helpful,” he said.
However the cost of transporting the dead body, including embalming and other services is reported to be more than $11,000.
Fund drive
Mercury Printz Managing Director Ilango Krishnamoorthy has launched a fund drive. A similar effort has been undertaken by Muthtamil Sangam Secretary S Kathiravan.
As well as initiating the drive with his personal contribution, Mr Krishnamoorthy mobilised support from friends in the community, which had led to collection of about 50% of the amount required. The coffin carrying the body of Krishanth (who was employed as a chef) left for India on September 14.
“We would also like to provide funds to the bereaved parents of Krishant since they have lost the sole breadwinner in the family. We request help from people of all communities,” Mr Sundaraj said.
Mr Krishnamoorthy said that donations could be made to the bank account of Alayam Community Centre (which incorporates Thiru Subramaniyar Alayam at 41 Stanhope Road in Mt Wellington, Auckland) – Account Number 12-3011-0416144-000
Further details can be obtained from Mr Krishnamoorthy on 021-739879.
Email: ilango@merc.co.nz
