Special air ambulance to fly Joy Arakkal's remains to India

The Consul-General of India to Dubai, Vipul, on Wednesday confirmed reports that a special permission to fly Indian businessman Joy Arakkal's remains to India in a chartered air ambulance was provided by the Home Ministry, Government of India.
Arakkal's death a case of suicide: Dubai Police

Four family members, including Arakkal's wife Celine and children, Arun and Ashley, will accompany his mortal remains to Kozhikode, Kerala. Arakkal, the owner and founder Dubai-based Innova Refining and Trading FZE, passed away on Thursday, April 23 by suicide, according to Brigadier Abdullah Khadim Bin Sorour, director of Bur Dubai police station.

"They are hoping to travel soon as the embalming process was completed yesterday. They have a necessary no-objection certificate from India. We are waiting for a clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MOFAIC), which is expected to come through soon," said Vipul.

A small group of family members and social workers and prominent community members including Advocate Hashik, Ashraf Thamarasherry and Anwar Naha were present at an embalming service which took place at the Embalming Centre in Muhaisana on Tuesday.

Indian businessman and former president of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), Anwar Naha, said, "It was a very quiet service with participation from few family members. The body will be flown to Kozhikode International Airport in Kerala as it is closest to his native-home in Mananthavady, Wayanad." Member of Indian Parliament MK Raghavan and R Harikumar of Elite Group in the UAE have offered great support for securing approvals from the Indian authorities, said Naha.

"His loss was a huge shock to the community. Only close family, social workers, and some community members were able to attend the embalming service on Tuesday," he added.

Arakkal was among the Indian businessmen awarded the 10-year Gold Card visa by the UAE government in 2019. The Malayalee businessmen hit the headlines last year when he built Arakkal Palace, a 45,000 sq ft house, the biggest in Kerala, in Manathavady in Wayanad district in Kerala.

"He was able to live in that house for only 40-45 days. It is a huge tragedy for the family as well as the entire community as Joy had contributed immensely towards community welfare and helped several people in need," said a community member. Community members have said the exact reason for him to take this extreme step remains a mystery to all.

• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com