About 72 hours after Bollywood star Sridevi died from accidentally drowning in a Dubai hotel room bathtub, her body reached Mumbai on Tuesday evening, bringing to an end a long and painful wait for her family and friends. The family in a statement said the funeral would be held on Wednesday afternoon after a period of public viewing at the Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala.
Authorities in Dubai gave the final clearance to repatriate the remains after carrying out investigations and duly following procedural matters in incidents of such nature.
Certificate released
Officials of the Consul General of India in Dubai said after investigations into the death were concluded by the Dubai Public Prosecution, they were called to the Bur Dubai police station, where a no-objection certificate to release the body was handed over to representatives of the Consulate and Sridevi’s family members at around 12.45 p.m.
At 12.57 p.m. the Indian consulate tweeted that the Dubai Police handed over letters for the release of the body so that they could proceed for embalming at the Medical Fitness Centre in Muhaisnah. After the embalming, it was was taken by ambulance to the airport.
A picture of actor Sridevi Kapoor put up outside her residence in Mumbai on February 26, 2018.
In a tweet, the Dubai Media office, the government’s official handle, said, “Dubai Public Prosecution has approved the the release of the body of Sridevi to her family following the completion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of her death.”
In another tweet, it said the Public Prosecution stressed that all regular procedures followed in such cases have been completed. “As per the forensic report, the death occurred due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. The case has been closed,” it said.
A private Embraer jet belonging to industrialist Anil Ambani carrying the body then later took off for Mumbai at 7.30 p.m. and landed in the city at 9.31 p.m. The body was accompanied by the late actor’s husband Boney Kapoor, his son Arjun Kapoor, brother Sanjay Kapoor, Reena Marwah and Sandeep Marwah.
Sridevi's brother-in-law, Anil Kapoor, was at the airport to receive the body. Sridevi’s mortal remains were then taken to her Lokhandwala home in an ambulance, accompanied by a police escort.
In a statement issued later in the evening, the family said Sridevi’s body will be kept at the Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala near her home for people to pay their last respects from 9. 30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday after which it will be taken for cremation. The family said media could also pay their respects “provided camera, recording devices, etc are left outside the venue.”
“The last journey will commence at 2 p.m. from Celebration Sports Club to Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery,” it said. While celebrities went to condole her death at Anil Kapoor’s residence, there were staggered crowds outside Sridevi’s home in a Lokhandwala building.
With the uncertainty and speculation finally ending, the family issued a statement thanking “the film fraternity, media, fans of late Sridevi Kapoor and all the well-wishers for their prayers, support and sensitivity during our moment of immense grief.” “We request you to kindly join us in paying our last respect to a remarkable actor, beloved wife and loving mother,” it added.
