New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old Indian farm worker who died after being abandoned on the roadside by his employer following a gruesome accident.
Singh, who was working without legal papers, suffered a fatal injury when his arm was severed by a machine. Instead of seeking medical assistance, his employer allegedly discarded him and his severed limb on the road, leading to Singh’s death.
In a session of the Italian parliament, Prime Minister Meloni expressed her condolences to Singh’s family and denounced the inhumane treatment he endured. She called Singh a victim of “inhuman acts” and promised severe consequences for those responsible.
“These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people. I hope that this barbarity will be punished harshly,” Meloni asserted.
The death has triggered a wave of protests throughout Italy, with demonstrators calling for immediate justice and reforms to address labor exploitation. Gurmukh Singh, a leader of the Indian community in the Lazio region, passionately stated, “He was thrown out like a dog. There is exploitation every day, we suffer it every day, it must end now.”
Following a distress call from Singh’s wife and friends, local authorities swiftly responded, dispatching an air ambulance in an attempt to save him. Despite their efforts, Singh’s injuries proved fatal.
Parambar Singh, another Indian worker who suffered a serious eye injury in a workplace accident, shared his plight, highlighting the systemic neglect faced by undocumented laborers. “My boss said he couldn’t take me to the hospital because I didn’t have a contract,” said the 33-year-old.
Earlier, India on Wednesday raised the issue of the death of an Indian national, Satnam Singh with Italy and called for prompt action against those responsible for his demise.
The secretary (Consular Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Muktesh Pardeshi raised the matter with Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Migratory Policies and Italians Abroad, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Pardeshi further said that the Indian Eembassy in Italy is in contact with the family of Satnam Singh for consular help and transportation of mortal remains to India.
