Death in Turkey: Kin allege hate crime

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 30

Family members of teenager Lovepreet Singh, whose body was brought here today from Turkey, alleged that he became a victim of racial abuse. His mortal remains were consigned to flames today.

Balwinder Singh, deceased’s maternal uncle, said talks with his acquaintances in Turkey revealed that Lovepreet was shunted out of job twice for his being a turbaned Sikh. They shared that Lovepreet was objected for wearing turban, he added.

He had gone on a study visa to Lithuania, but somehow got stuck in Turkey, considered a gateway to the European countries.

The 19-year-old had flown to Istanbul on September 21 last year after his parents took Rs 8-lakh loan to send their son abroad and a sum of Rs 5.5 lakh was paid to the travel agent.

His family members were thankful to the district administration and the External Affairs Ministry in extending support to bring the body from overseas.

The Turkish authorities had claimed that his body was fished out of the sea on June 26. On the basis of Aadhaar card and his belongings, the Turkish authorities had approached the Amritsar DC.