Patra, who is reportedly Priyanka's assistant, is said to have died of a suspected heart attack in Los Angeles a week ago. His body is kept in a mortuary as there were no funds to send it back to India.
However, the official spokesperson of Priyanka has issued a statement: "All details and financial requirements related to the repatriation was and is being handled directly by Ms. Chopra and her team in LA."
"This is a very unfortunate and unexpected situation. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Patra's family. Our aim throughout was to ensure that Mr. Patra's remains were brought back to his family at the very earliest.
Owing to the situation that this occurred in a foreign country, where no family member was present, there was multiple levels of paperwork and processes that had to be followed to ensure that the matter was handled effectively and in a timely manner."
"Owing to some delays in paperwork from the family's end, the repatriation of the body was delayed. Ms. Chopra also delayed her return to India to ensure that everything was in place for Mr. Patra's remains to be repatriated to India, " said the statement further.
The spokesperson stated that they are in "constant touch with the family".
"All details and financial requirements related to the repatriation was and is being handled directly by Ms. Chopra and her team in LA. We are making all efforts to ensure his family's needs are taken care of at this unfortunate time, " said the spokesperson.
