Indian media have reported that national rally champion Hari Singh and boat captain Mahesh Ramachandran are the two people missing after billionaire Gautam Singhania's speedboat overturned in the Maldives on March 20.
According to NDTV, Mahesh is the captain of Singhania's super yacht. The former Navy officer is a graduate of India's National Defence Academy.
He has also won several National Championships in India and secured medals in events such as the Asian Games and World Military Games. He once ranked in the top 15 in the world in Match Racing and has been named Yachtsman of the Year multiple times.
Hari Singh is a five-time Indian National Rally champion. He also won the Asia Zone Rally Championship.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is still searching for Hari and Mahesh. But Maldivian authorities did not disclose their identities.
At the time of the accident, there were seven people onboard the vessel, including Singhania. There were two women from the UK and Russia, and four Indian men.
A spokesperson for the billionaire said he sustained minor injuries in an accident and is currently receiving treatment in Mumbai.
Police said two Indian men and a British woman were among those who left after the accident. One of the Indians who left had a severed arm, police said.
Two others are being treated at Tree Top Hospital. The hospital has not commented on their condition.
The public, including both Maldivians and Indians, has raised many questions as Singhania was allowed to leave the Maldives less than 24 hours after the incident and while the investigation is ongoing.
Police confirmed that some of the people left for medical treatment, but it was unclear if Singhania, who was reportedly driving the speedboat at the time of the accident, left after police gave permission.
Sources told Adhadhu that Maldivian police learned about Singhania's departure hours after he left the country. Adhadhu contacted the police for a comment, but there has been no response.
The vessel involved in the accident was a Cigarette racing boat designed to be driven at high speeds. The fastest models have boats that can reach speeds of up to 100 nautical miles (189 km/h).
According to some media reports, Singhania, with a net worth of about USD 1.4 billion, loves luxurious, high-speed cars. He also reportedly has an interest in driving racing boats.
