After an extensive eight-day search operation in the Maldives yielded no results, the family of legendary Indian rally driver Hari Singh held his final prayer ceremony in Chandigarh.
Singh, widely known as the “Gypsy King,” had gone missing following a speedboat accident on March 19 near Felidhoo Island. The incident also involved Raymond Group Chairman and Managing Director Gautam Singhania, who was rescued. However, Hari Singh and the boat’s captain, Mahesh Ramachandran, a former naval officer, remained untraceable.
Maldivian authorities, supported by the Indian government, carried out a large-scale search effort that extended well beyond the standard 72-hour rescue window. The operation deployed divers, drones, light aircraft, and multiple boats to scan vast areas of the surrounding waters. Despite these efforts, no trace of the missing individuals was found, and the search was officially called off on March 28.
Following this, hundreds of people gathered in Chandigarh to pay their last respects to Singh, marking an emotional farewell to one of India’s most celebrated motorsport figures.
Hari Singh was a dominant force in Indian rallying, earning the nickname “Gypsy King” for his exceptional command over the Maruti Gypsy, a vehicle known for its challenging handling at high speeds. His technical skill and aggressive driving style made him a standout competitor.
He won the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) title five times during the 1990s and also became the first winner of the Asia Zone Rally Championship, establishing his reputation on the international stage.
After retiring from competitive racing, Singh continued to contribute to the sport as Head of Operations at JK Tyre Motorsport and as Chief Instructor for Mercedes-Benz India, where he played a key role in mentoring the next generation of Indian racing talent.
