Who was Harpal Randhawa, Indian billionaire who died in Zimbabwe plane crash?

The September 29 crash resulted in all six people on board, including Randhawa and his son, losing their lives.

Published on: Oct 2, 2023, 21:05:26 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Indian billionaire Harpal Randhawa and his son were among six people who lost their lives after a private plane they were flying in crashed in southwestern Zimbabwe. While the police are yet to disclose the identities of the deceased, noted Zimbabwean journalist-filmmaker Hopewell Chin'ono revealed Harpal and Amer Randhawa as two of the victims.

Harpal Randhawa (Twitter/Hopewell Chin'ono)

Their memorial service will take place on Wednesday, Chin'ono added, citing an invitation from the Randhawa family.

Who was Harpal Randhawa?

(1.) He was the owner of RioZim, a wholly-owned Zimbabwean company that produces gold, coal, toll refines nickel and copper. The ill-fated aircraft, that crashed on September 29, belonged to RioZim.

(2.) The Cessna that took off from Harare, the capital and largest city, was on its way to the Murowa diamond mine, also partly owned by the company. The crash took place when the aircraft was nearing its destination, and all six people on board were killed.

(3.) According to Randhawa's LinkedIn profile, he was also serving as the Chairman of GEM Holdings, founded by him in July 1993. GEM Holdings, a private equity firm, is now worth $4 billion.

(4.) As per Ajay Bagga, Chairman, Elyments Platforms Private Limited, Harpal was planning another venture in India.

(5.) Amer Randhawa, meanwhile, was a trained pilot and was travelling as a passenger on the flight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.