FEROZEPUR FAMILY WAITS FOR SON’S MORTAL REMAINS 23 DAYS AFTER DEATH IN LONDON

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

A family in Suba Qadim village of this border district continues to await the return of their son’s mortal remains more than 23 days after his death in London, leaving relatives and villagers in anguish.

The deceased, Sahjeet Singh (26), son of Veer Singh, had gone to London on a study visa on June 17, 2021. After completing his studies, he secured a work permit and was employed as a salesman at a shopping mall. Family members said he was planning to return to his native village later this month after spending nearly five years abroad.

Veer Singh said the family last spoke to Sahjeet through a video call on June 13. “He seemed cheerful and was looking forward to coming home. We were all eagerly waiting for his return,” he said.

According to the family, they became worried when they were unable to contact him afterwards. A friend who repeatedly tried calling his phone was eventually answered by a police officer, who informed him that Sahjeet had been found unconscious in a park and taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

The circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be fully known, the family said.

Veer Singh expressed concern over the delay in bringing the body back to India. He appealed to the Central and Punjab governments, as well as the Indian authorities in the United Kingdom, to expedite the required procedures so that the mortal remains can be repatriated and the last rites performed in his native village.

The incident has left the family devastated, while residents of Suba Qadim village continue to wait for the return of the young man’s mortal remains.