Tears at kidnap victim’s funeral

DESPITE false newspaper reports (not Newsday) that Iris Singh, the six-month pregnant wife of murder victim, Nigel Singh, was placed in a “safe house,” the grieving woman was very much present at yesterday’s emotional funeral service for her murdered husband.

Relatives and friends of 28-year-old Singh, who was abducted from his house by four gunmen, beaten, shot in his leg and then dumped near his home on Monday, yesterday denied that he was a drug pusher and that his death was drug-related. Iris, who witnessed her husband’s abduction, along with her two children, was too emotional to speak with Newsday at the funeral service. But, according to relatives, the woman was very upset and saddened by allegations that her husband was involved in drugs. As Singh’s body arrived at his Rancho Quemado Branch Road home, the sounds of grief and agony filled the sombre atmosphere as mourners cried and wailed. Some of them later told Newsday that Singh was a “decent fellow.”

His six-year-old daughter, Niki, had to be consoled by her mother, and other relatives, as she cried uncontrollably for her dead father. “Goodbye daddy,” she cried as they closed the casket to proceed to the St Francis of Assisi RC Church, Erin, for the official service. In delivering the eulogy, Singh’s close friend, Barry Lagel, could not hold back the tears as he slammed a daily newspaper report which stated that Singh was a drug pusher. “We are paralysed by pain, anger and confusion. And to add to our grief, there are ignorant, gullible bodies that prefer to print hot gossip from questionable sources to ensure that their newspapers are sold out, instead of printing true facts from those who knew him.” He added that it was irresponsible reporting, and had caused additional pain to Singh’s family. A tearful Lagel prayed that they would be able to let go of the resentment for Singh’s killers, and be consoled by the fact that their actions have sealed their fate. Describing Singh as a devoted husband and loving father, he added that Singh was a mentor and role model to the youths of his community. Following the service, which was officiated by Pastor Tony Badhri, Singh was laid to rest at the Erin cemetery.

Up to late yesterday, no arrests had been made in the shooting murder of Singh.