The death of a 31-year-old farm laborer from Punjab in Italy has sparked widespread outrage and protests, highlighting concerns about labor rights and protections for migrant workers in the country. Satnam Singh passed away on June 19 after reportedly being abandoned by his employer following a farm accident that led to the severing of his right arm.
Hailing from Chand Nawan village, Singh’s family members criticized the treatment he received, likening it to how animals are treated. They have called for justice and appealed for Singh’s body to be repatriated to his hometown.
According to reports from the Indian Express, Singh’s hand was severed during an accident at a farm owned by Renzo Lovato, who allegedly transported him to his residence in a minivan and left him outside instead of taking him to the hospital. The incident occurred at a melon greenhouse of Agro Potino in the southern region of Rome.
Following the accident, Satnam’s wife, who also worked at the farm, sought help from neighbors who called an ambulance. He was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that week.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed shock and offered condolences, stressing the urgency of delivering justice in the case.
“These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people. I hope that this barbarity will be punished harshly,” Meloni said.
“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, an older brother, and a younger sister.
