Sangrur teen missing in US found dead

A pall of gloom descended on Mandvi village here following the news that the body of Karandeep Singh (19) was found in a river in Salem, Oregon (US). Karandeep had gone missing on October 8.

His father Charanjit Singh, a marginal farmer, said he sent his son to the US over two years ago after selling around 2.5 acres of his agricultural land. “He was just 16 when he left for the US. He had passed Class XI exam, and we wanted him to build a better life there,” Charanjit said, holding back his tears.

He said Karandeep spoke to him over the phone on October 8 morning. “The next day, we kept waiting for his call, but there was no contact. His phone was switched off,” he said.

“I then contacted some youths from our village who are settled in the US. They informed the police there about Karandeep’s disappearance. Later, we were told that the police had found a video showing Karandeep walking towards a riverside area with four boys. In another clip, the same four boys were seen returning, but not Karandeep,” he said.

“Early this morning, we were informed that Karandeep’s body was found in a river. It has decomposed,” Charanjit said.

Cousin of the deceased Kanwaldeep Singh said, “Karandeep had been working at a store in Salem. He had gone there via dunki route by spending Rs 55 lakh, but had valid documents now.”

The family has appealed to the state government and the Centre to help bring Karandeep’s mortal remains back. “If that is not possible, we request that visas be arranged so that we can go there and perform his last rites,” they said.

Karandeep Singh is survived by his parents and a younger brother.