Family Blames Home Office Delays for Deported Man's Death

Key Takeaways:

Sudharsan Ithayachandran, wrongfully deported by the UK Home Office, died awaiting his visa in Sri Lanka in May 2023.
His wife, children, and mother-in-law, all UK citizens, were devastated, blaming his death on the wrongful deportation.
Legal challenges ensued, highlighting systemic delays and failures, prompting calls for improvements in immigration processes to prevent future tragedies.

What Happened to Sudharsan Ithayachandran?

In a deeply tragic turn of events, Sudharsan Ithayachandran, 41, died while he was awaiting his visa in Sri Lanka. He had been wrongly deported by the UK Home Office on 24 December 2019, a date that painfully coincided with his wedding anniversary. His deportation raised many questions and serious concerns, especially considering his family in the UK was profoundly affected.

Family Blames Home Office Delays for Deported Man’s Death — Family Blames Home Office Delays for Deported Man's Death

Who Was Affected by the Deportation?

Sudharsan left behind his wife, Subatra Sudharsan, who is profoundly deaf, and their two children, Priyan, nine, and Priyanka, eight. All three are British citizens. His mother-in-law, Yasadora Nagendra, 60, whom Sudharsan cared for, described him as “the pillar of the family.”

“Nobody can replace him. I believe that if the Home Office had not deported him, he would still be alive today. We blame them for his death,” said Nagendra. This sentiment echoes the devastation felt by the family due to the wrongful deportation and subsequent delays from the Home Office.

What Were the Legal Arguments?

In an immigration tribunal ruling in November 2023, Judge Bonavero accepted Sudharsan’s appeal, noting that he had a right to family life in the UK with his wife and children. Despite this, the Home Office delayed in processing his return visa, keeping him stranded in perilous conditions in Sri Lanka for several months.

Naga Kandiah from MTC Solicitors began judicial review proceedings against the Home Office due to the delay. Shortly thereafter, officials began processing the return visa and issued an apology letter, blaming the backlog in the department.

What Were the Conditions in Sri Lanka?

Sudharsan faced harsh and dangerous conditions in Sri Lanka. His mental health suffered significantly due to his separation from his children, which led to a deep depression. He was not eating or taking care of himself properly.

On 19 May 2023, Sudharsan was found collapsed in his accommodation and later died in the hospital. The suspected cause of death was sepsis. His family attributes his deteriorating condition and eventual death to the combined stress of separation and the wrongful deportation.

Why Was There a Delay in Implementing the Court Ruling?

Lou Calvey, director of the charity Asylum Matters, questioned the actions of the Home Office, calling for answers regarding the delay in Sudharsan’s return. “Serious questions must be answered about this heartbreaking case; why was Sudharsan deported when he had such clear rights to remain here; why did Home Office delay implementing the court ruling reversing the deportation; and why did he have to die alone without his family?” Calvey stated.

What Does the Home Office Have to Say?

A spokesperson from the Home Office responded, saying, “All deportation orders are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the evidence provided. Once an appeal has been allowed against the refusal to revoke a deportation order, the responsibility of applying for entry clearance to the UK lies with the individual and their representatives.”

What’s Next for the Family?

The traumatic loss has left Sudharsan’s family in turmoil. His mother-in-law, Nagendra, emphasized how crucial he was to the family. “I don’t know how the family is ever going to get over this. When he was here, he looked after everybody. He was such a kind and supportive man,” she shared.

How Can This Tragedy Be Prevented in the Future?

Sudharsan’s ordeal underscores the importance of prompt action and accountability within immigration processes. The delayed responses from the Home Office and the subsequent wrongful deportation highlight the need for systemic changes. Ensuring no other family has to endure such grief could start with streamlining the visa application and appeal processes as detailed on the official government website.

Conclusion

The tragic story of Sudharsan Ithayachandran serves as a painful reminder of the human cost of bureaucratic delays and wrongful deportation. His case has spotlighted significant issues within the handling of immigration appeals and visa processes by the Home Office. As his family seeks justice and tries to cope with their loss, there remains a pressing need for changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Learn Today:

Glossary

Deportation
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country, often due to legal or policy reasons. In the context, Sudharsan Ithayachandran was wrongfully deported from the UK to Sri Lanka.
Judicial Review
A legal procedure where a court reviews the actions or decisions of a government body to ensure they are lawful. Naga Kandiah began judicial review proceedings against the Home Office due to delays in Sudharsan’s case.
Right to Family Life
A legal principle that recognizes an individual’s right to maintain relationships with their family. The immigration tribunal ruled that Sudharsan had a right to family life in the UK, contributing to his appeal being accepted.
Asylum Matters
A charity organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees. Lou Calvey, a director from this charity, demanded answers regarding Sudharsan’s wrongful deportation and delayed return.
Sepsis
A serious medical condition resulting from the body’s response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sudharsan’s suspected cause of death in the hospital after being found collapsed in Sri Lanka.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Sudharsan Ithayachandran, 41, died awaiting a visa in Sri Lanka after wrongful deportation by the UK Home Office. Separated from his family and in poor conditions, he succumbed to sepsis. His death highlights serious flaws in immigration processes and the need for prompt and humane administrative actions.
— By VisaVerge.com

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