31-year-old Indian Labourer's Death Stirs Protest In Italy, PM Giorgio Meloni Expresses Condolences

The death of a 31-year-old farm labourer from Punjab sparked outrage and protests in Italy raising questions about the provision of labour rights and protections for migrant workers in the country. Satnam Singh died on June 19 after his employer allegedly abandoned him on the side of the road following a farm accident that resulted in Singh’s right arm being severed.

Hailing from the Chand Nawan village, Singh’s family members claimed that the treatment he received was worse than how people treat animals. They also demanded justice and appealed to get Singh’s body repatriated to his hometown.

According to an Indian Express report, Satnam Singh’s hand got severed in an accident at a farm in Italy. The farm owner, identified as Renzo Lovato, allegedly transported him to his residence in a minivan and dumped him outside instead of taking him to the hospital.

According to local media reports, the incident took place at a melon greenhouse of the Agro Potino in the south of Rome.

Following the incident, Satnam’s wife, who also worked in the same field, sought help from neighbours who called an ambulance. He was then airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Italy Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni expressed shock at the incident and expressed condolences on Satnam Singh’s death, emphasising the need for swift justice.

“These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people. I hope that this barbarity will be punished harshly,” Meloni said.

Satnam Singh’s father, 70-year-old Gurmukh Singh claimed they were never informed about their son’s “accident” and they only learned about the details of his injury after his death, according to an Indian Express report.

“Our source of information was the media and when we tried to contact embassy officials to verify the news, we were unable to speak to anyone,” he said.

Satnam is survived by his parents, one elder brother, and a younger sister.