Minister seeks ‘urgent report’ over dead man’s identity

Acting Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is seeking an "urgent report" from Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan on the apparent delay by gardaí in establishing the nationality and family situation of a man who died in Dublin more than a month ago.

Balendran Velayudhan (56) who is thought to be from India, died of a suspected heart attack on March 12th.

According to sources, he died in his car and was identified using his driving license.

Although his address is on the license, it is understood gardaí have not accessed the Dublin 7 property.

Members of the Indian community in Dublin, none of whom knew Mr Velayudhan, said they have been asked by the Indian embassy to help establish his background.

It is understood embassy officials are frustrated at the lack of information provided by gardaí to enable them to locate his family in India.

Letter to Minister

Some 20 members of the Indian community have written to the Minister, saying they believe there is a “lag” in the investigation, and asking her “to look into this matter and make arrangements to send his remains to India . . . so that his family could lay him to rest as per their tradition”.

The case has been reported by some Indian media outlets, including the Indian Telegram.

A Garda spokesman said an individual investigation could not be discussed in detail.

“We are investigating a sudden death on St Augustine Street, Dublin 8, on March 12th at 7.10pm.

“The death is believed to be [due to] natural causes and there will be a coroner’s inquest in due course.”

A spokesman for the Minister said: “This tragic case has been brought to the attention of the Minister, who is seeking an urgent report from the Garda Commissioner on the matters raised.”