Brother of New Zealand mosque attack victim urges Centre to help reunite family

Haji Ali Patel, brother of Musa Wali Suleman Patel, who is feared to have lost his life in New Zealand's twin mosque attacks, on Saturday urged the Indian government to help in reuniting the family.

Haji Ali Patel said that his brother was accompanied by his wife to attend Friday's prayers at the mosque when the shooting took place.

"My brother was shot in the back and was rushed to hospital by the police. My sister-in-law followed him to the hospital but wasn't allowed to meet him," Patel told ANI.

"We are unable to contact either my brother or my sister-in-law. They are not informing her anything. I urge the Central government, Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to help them reunite," he said.

Haji Ali further said that his brother Musa Wali was in a very critical condition when he was shifted to the hospital. "He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital," he said.

"It is currently 24 hours but hospital administration or New Zealand government is not giving any answer. I have been trying to contact my sister-in-law but there is no response," he said.

In the worst ever terror attack in New Zealand, multiple gunmen carried out indiscriminate shootings at two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers, leaving 49 people dead and at least 48 wounded.

At least nine Indian nationals or people of Indian origin are feared missing in New Zealand following the deadly terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, unofficial sources said.

Swaraj condemned the terror attack and put out the helpline numbers of the Indian High Commission in New Zealand, tagging High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli for Indians requiring assistance. "Any Indian requiring assistance should contact Indian High Commission in New Zealand on 021803899 or 021850033," she said.

Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Modi in a statement had "expressed his deep shock and sadness at the loss of scores of innocent lives in the heinous terrorist attack at the places of worship in Christchurch on Friday."

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted: "Our Mission is in touch with the local authorities to ascertain more details. It is a sensitive matter and therefore we can't give confirmed numbers/names till we are absolutely certain.