A 59-year-old Indian man who died after a brutal assault in Christchurch while visiting his son is scheduled to be repatriated to India on April 14, 2023.
An online fundraiser was set up on April 12 to help his grieving family travel to India for his last rights, and to cover other related expenses.
Mewa Singh from Haryana in northern India was visiting his son when he was attacked near Linwood Park on the evening of April 7. He was rushed to a hospital but he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Singh in hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries
A day after the attack, the police arrested a 31-year-old man and initially charged him with causing grievous bodily harm. The charges against the accused, who has interim name suppression, were upgraded to murder after Singh passed away.
Days after the arrest, the police have yet to reveal any details about the attack, or what might have triggered the assault in the first place.
The Kiwi-Indian community demonstrated their generosity by raising more than $16,000 within a few hours of the online fundraiser, which is now closed.
Singh’s family members also received unwavering support from Gurudwara Singh Sabha Christchurch and other community groups, who were in constant communication with the family offering every possible assistance.
The High Commission of India, which is supporting the family in repatriating Singh’s mortal remains back home, sent a message to The Indian Weekender expressing their condolences.
“We are aware about the unfortunate incident of assault on an Indian national who later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The High Commission officials are in touch with his family in Christchurch, and have assured them of all necessary assistance. High Commission of India expresses deepest condolences to the family of the victim,” the message read.
Poto Williams, the Labour Member of Parliament for Christchurch East, condemned the attack and said, “I want to send my deepest sympathy to the family of the man who was killed in Linwood over the weekend. Everyone should be and feel safe and especially those who come to New Zealand to visit family and friends. The police have asked that anyone who has information please come forward to support their work so that the family does not suffer further distress by delays in bringing the person responsible to justice. Again my deepest condolences to all family and friends of the deceased.”
The Indian community in the area is still in shock and deeply saddened by the news. Many are raising concerns over safety and security, as many people currently have their parents visiting them after the long Covid lockdown.
Members of the Indian community have expressed their condolences and offered support for Singh’s family. The President of the Indian Social and Cultural Club, Christchurch, Monty Parti and a few other community members met the family.
Surinder Tandon, President of the Christchurch Multicultural Council, said, “We are very saddened by the senseless, brutal attack on the Indian visitor who later succumbed to his injuries in Christchurch hospital. We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.”
Vinod Manu, President of Christchurch Indian Association said, “What has happened is terrible and attacks like this, particularly against minority groups, have been rising lately and not enough is being done to stop this sort of crime. My deepest sympathy to the victim’s family, friends and community.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the need for increased safety measures and support for minority groups, who may be more vulnerable to such attacks.