Hari’s family in Chandigarh have announced to hold a bhog ceremony on March 30, at Sector 8 gurdwara
28 March, 2026 – Chandigarh : Failing to trace the whereabouts of India’s famous rally driver Hari Singh, the Maldivian authorities have called off the search operation, late last night. Hari was involved in a fatal speed boat capsizing incident near the Felidhoo island, in the Maldives, on March 19.
The search to find any hint of Hari—and decorated sailor and former naval officer Commander Mahesh Ramachandran — was extended beyond a normal 72-hours procedure and was carried for nearly eight days. The operation was carried through drones, light planes and human coordination.
Back in Chandigarh, Hari’s family has already announced to hold a ‘Bhog Ceremony’ (prayer meeting) in his remembrance on March 30, at Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Dasvin in Sector 8.
“No headway, not even a single hint, the operation (involving searching of Hari) has been called off late last night. His friends, who were involved in the operation, will be back to India now. It’s strange, not even a single thing attached to Hari was found,” said SPS Gharcha, President of Chandigarh Motorsport Association, and Hari’s close associate.
Earlier, the Indian Government had provided a Dornier maritime surveillance plane and an advanced light helicopter to assist the Maldivian forces.
At sea, search and rescue responsibility was divided among the two countries.
Hari is among India’s most celebrated rally drivers, with five titles in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) during the 1990s. He is known for his fearless driving style and technical precision.
He also made history by winning the inaugural Asia Zone Rally Championship, becoming one of the first Indian drivers to gain recognition at the international level.
After retiring from competitive racing, he continued to shape Indian motorsport and served as the Head of Operations at JK Tyre Motorsport and Chief Instructor for Mercedes-Benz India.
The accident took place in the early hours of March 19 when a high-performance speedboat carrying seven passengers capsized in choppy waters near Felidhoo island in Vaavu Atoll. The vessel reportedly overturned around 1.15 am (local time), leaving several passengers struggling to escape.
The Tribune