A 49-year-old businessman from Raipur lost his life to a heart attack in Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, while on an educational tour with a group of 40 Indians. Ajay Sundar Nihalani’s sudden death has left his family in shock and triggered urgent appeals to bring his mortal remains back home.

The incident occurred during the ongoing tour in which Nihalani, along with another Raipur resident, had joined participants from different parts of the country. According to initial information, his health suddenly deteriorated. He was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. 

Family Seeks Embassy and PMO Help

Family members have reached out to the Indian Embassy in Portugal, the Prime Minister’s Office, and local authorities for assistance in completing formalities and repatriating the body. Nihalani’s colleague Neeraj Bajpai, who is part of the same tour group, is currently handling the documentation process on the ground. 

Sources familiar with the matter said the family is hopeful of early cooperation from Indian officials and airlines to ensure the body reaches Raipur at the earliest for last rites. 

Community Leaders Raise Appeal on Social Media

Lalit Jaisingh, state president of the Sindhi Council of India, took to social media platform X, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the PMO, seeking immediate intervention for the smooth repatriation of Nihalani’s mortal remains. 

Shock and Grief in Raipur

News of the death has spread sorrow across business and social circles in Raipur. Nihalani had celebrated his birthday on January 19 this year. Friends and relatives described him as an active and energetic person. His brother Sanjay Kumar Nihalani expressed the family’s distress and hope that the body would be brought back soon. 

Pattern of Sudden Cardiac Deaths Raises Concern

Nihalani’s death is the latest in a string of heart attack cases reported from Raipur and nearby areas in recent months, many involving seemingly fit individuals. 

Just three months ago, a local businessman collapsed and died while playing badminton. In May 2025, 35-year-old Himanshu Shrivastava, a manager in a private company residing in Khushi Enclave, Amli Dih, suffered a fatal heart attack after a badminton session at Sapre Shala School in Bhilai. He was declared dead at Mekahara Hospital. 

In February 2025, Chhattisgarh actor and BJP leader Rajesh Awasthi, 41, also died of a sudden heart attack. He left behind a young son and daughter. Similar incidents were reported from Ambikapur, including a young bus operator Indrajeet Singh Babra (35) who collapsed while starting his scooter, and another case of a youth suffering a heart attack while riding a bike. 

Doctors Flag Lifestyle and Post-Covid Factors

Dr. Smit Shrivastava, Head of the Department of Cardiology at Mekahara Hospital, told reporters that tobacco and gutkha consumption remain major risk factors in most heart patients in the region. He noted that in nearly 50 per cent of cases, the first heart attack itself proves fatal. 

Increased cholesterol levels leading to blockages in heart arteries are the primary cause, he explained. When blockages exceed 70 per cent, blood flow gets severely restricted, resulting in a heart attack. 

Common warning signs include chest pain, heaviness, left shoulder or arm pain, and shortness of breath. However, in many cases, especially among younger people, symptoms are absent, leading to sudden deaths. Doctors advise immediate medical consultation if any doubt arises. 

Questions are being raised locally whether post-Covid effects, sedentary lifestyles, or stress are contributing to this worrying trend among relatively young and fit individuals. 

Body Expected to Reach Raipur Soon

As of now, formalities are underway in Lisbon. Once the required documentation is completed, Ajay Sundar Nihalani’s body is expected to be flown back to Raipur. The family has urged all concerned agencies to extend full support to Neeraj Bajpai so that the last rites can be performed without further delay. 

The incident has once again highlighted the need for greater awareness about heart health, regular check-ups, and lifestyle modifications, even among those who appear outwardly healthy.