Gautam Singhania Injured, Rally Driver Hari Singh Missing in Maldives Speedboat Crash
Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Singhania sustained minor injuries after a speedboat capsized in the Maldives, an incident that has also left ace Indian rally driver Hari Singh and another Indian national missing. Search operations are actively underway for the missing individuals. Singhania has been rescued and is recovering in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
- Gautam Singhania suffered minor injuries in a Maldives speedboat accident.
- Ace Indian rally driver Hari Singh is among two Indians missing after the incident.
- Seven people were aboard the capsized speedboat near V Felidhoo, Maldives.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing for Hari Singh and the other missing person.
- Singhania has been rescued and is currently recovering in a Mumbai hospital.
- Another passenger, Manik Bhimsen Bhardwaj, suffered severe injury, leading to amputation.
Raymond Group Chairman and Managing Director, Gautam Hari Singhania, suffered minor injuries following a speedboat accident in the Maldives that occurred either late Thursday night or early Friday morning (March 20, 2026). The incident took place near V Felidhoo island when the speedboat, carrying seven tourists, capsized.
Among those on board were two women from the United Kingdom and Russia, and five Indian men, including Singhania and renowned Indian rally driver Hari Singh. Following the capsizing, five individuals, including a Russian woman and four Indian men, were swept into the sea. While Gautam Singhania was successfully rescued and has since been flown back to Mumbai, where he is recovering from his minor injuries, rally driver Hari Singh and another Indian national are currently feared missing.
Multiple credible Indian news outlets, including The Times of India, NDTV, The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Mint, The Indian Express, IndiaTV News, Team-BHP, Acko Drive, Bombay Samachar, and Daijiworld, have extensively reported on the accident, corroborating the major claims. Singhania's spokesperson confirmed his minor injuries and recovery in Mumbai, while also extending prayers for the well-being of the affected friends.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard immediately launched search operations to locate the missing individuals, with some reports also suggesting potential support from the Indian Navy. However, search operations were reportedly called off late Friday evening due to darkness. The motorsport fraternity in India has expressed deep concern for Hari Singh, a five-time Indian National Rally Championship winner and the first Indian to win the Asia Zone Rally Championship. Friends and colleagues, including Shashi Pal Singh Garcha, President of the Chandigarh Motorsports Association, and fellow rally driver Rattan Dhillon, have voiced their prayers and hopes for his safe return.
Further details emerging from the incident indicate that another passenger, Manik Bhimsen Bhardwaj from Bengaluru, sustained severe injuries, tragically requiring his arm to be amputated. This specific detail underscores the severity of the accident and has added to the somber mood surrounding the incident. Gautam Singhania, known for his passion for supercars and speedboats, was reportedly holidaying with friends in the Maldives, a favorite destination for him, when the mishap occurred.
Authorities in the Maldives are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the Indian High Commission in Maldives is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate rescue efforts and provide consular assistance. The accident has prompted concerns regarding maritime safety protocols for private excursions, especially during a busy tourist season in the archipelago.
The news has garnered significant attention in India due to the high-profile individuals involved and the tragic nature of the event, prompting widespread prayers and concern for the missing and injured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Gautam Singhania?
Raymond Group Chairman and MD Gautam Singhania sustained minor injuries when a speedboat he was traveling in capsized near V Felidhoo island in the Maldives. He has since been rescued and is recovering in a Mumbai hospital.
Who is Hari Singh and what is his status?
Hari Singh is a renowned Indian rally driver, a five-time Indian National Rally Championship winner. He is currently feared missing along with another Indian national after the speedboat accident in the Maldives, and search operations are underway.
When and where did the speedboat accident occur?
The accident occurred either late Thursday night or early Friday morning (March 20, 2026) near V Felidhoo island in the Maldives.
Were there other casualties or injuries in the accident?
Yes, aside from Gautam Singhania's minor injuries, another passenger identified as Manik Bhimsen Bhardwaj from Bengaluru suffered a severe injury, leading to the amputation of his arm. Two Indian nationals, including Hari Singh, remain missing.
What actions are being taken to find the missing persons?
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has launched extensive search operations for the missing individuals, possibly with support from the Indian Navy. However, search efforts were temporarily called off late Friday evening due to darkness.
