Indian-origin Sydney Bussinessman Dies Amid Aussie Travel Ban

In an unfortunate incident, the 47-year-old Sydney businessman, Govind Kant died of Covid in Delhi, who contracted the virus around the time when Australia banned citizens in India from returning home. Mr Kant was known to be a pioneer of the solar industry in Australia.

Back in April, Govind Kant travelled India for personal reasons and was stranded here after a temporary travel ban was imposed by Australia during the ongoing second wave of the pandemic. Australia barred its citizens and permanent residents in India from travelling home between 28 April and 15 May. In a shocking move, the country also made it a criminal act with the threat of fines and jail sentences (jail time of up to five years and fine $66,600).

Govind Kant is reportedly the second Australian to die in India amid a temporary travel ban. The three-week ban ended on May 15 and a repatriation flight flew back with about 70 Australians from India as well. It is reported that more than 9,000 Australians were stuck in India during the three-week ban. According to Govind’s family members. he had booked an Air India flight for 24 April, after failing to get a flight out in mid-April. But before that, he contracted the virus and got admitted to the hospital.

The solar energy firm, Trina Solar announced the death news of their manager on social media. “This is a significant loss to Trina Solar and mere words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow we all feel upon Govind’s passing. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, two daughters and other family members,” they tweeted.

Back when Australia imposed a travel ban with severe penalties, the critics slammed the government for abandoning its citizens. The heated debate arose on how Australis left its people to die in India where hospitals are overwhelmed with chronic oxygen shortage and insufficient hospital beds.