The death of Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old Indian migrant worker in Italy, has shocked the nation and highlighted the urgent need for reforms in laws and protection systems for refugees and migrant workers in the country.
On June 17, Singh was severely injured while working on a farm near Latina, southeast of Rome. His right hand was severed by a plastic packaging machine, and his lower limbs were crushed. Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, Singh was loaded into a van and dropped off near his home. His severed arm was later found in a vegetable collection box. Despite efforts to save him, Singh died two days later in a Rome hospital.
The terrible circumstances of Singh’s death have outraged the public. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the inhuman act, stating that such brutality should be severely punished. The incident has led to an investigation into the farm’s owner, Antonello Lovato, who may face charges of manslaughter and failure to render aid to a person in danger.
Singh’s case has become a symbol of the exploitation faced by many migrant workers in Italy. For two years, Singh worked for a paltry €5 an hour without a legal employment contract, exposing him to abuse and neglect. His story has drawn attention to the wider issue of labor exploitation and the dire conditions endured by many migrants.
Labor unions and members of the Indian community in Latina have organized demonstrations, demanding respect for the health and safety of workers. They have met with government officials to push for reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
