In a tragic incident in Latina, Italy, Antonello Lovato, the employer of an Indian farm laborer named Satnam Singh, has been arrested following Singh’s death in a devastating work accident. Singh, 31, suffered severe injuries that were exacerbated by the lack of timely medical assistance.
Satnam Singh, who was working without legal papers, tragically lost his arm and sustained crushing injuries to his legs when he was caught in a farm machine. According to reports, Lovato neglected to promptly assist Singh, which could have potentially saved his life, as stated by the Latina prosecutors’ office.
The incident, which occurred in a rural area south of Rome known for employing tens of thousands of Indian farm laborers, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about working conditions and treatment of undocumented workers in Italy.
Trade unions supporting Singh’s widow revealed that Lovato callously left Singh and his wife on the roadside, along with Singh’s severed limb in a box. This abandonment and the delayed response to provide medical aid have drawn strong condemnation.
“The worker’s condition after the accident was so serious as to make the need for prompt assistance clear,” emphasized prosecutors in their statement.
Lovato now faces charges of second-degree murder due to negligence, reflecting the severity of the consequences resulting from the lack of immediate intervention.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the working conditions at the farm, aiming to shed light on potential violations and ensuring justice for Satnam Singh.
Undocumented workers in the region reportedly endure harsh conditions, with long hours and minimal pay. According to the Osservatorio Placido Rizzotto, these workers earn an average of 20 euros ($21) per day for grueling shifts that can extend up to 14 hours.
Italy’s financial police recently identified nearly 60,000 undocumented workers between January 2023 and June 2024, highlighting a widespread issue in the agricultural sector. The largest trade union, CGIL, estimates that over 230,000 seasonal agricultural workers in Italy lack formal contracts, underscoring systemic challenges and vulnerabilities faced by migrant laborers.
The tragic death of Satnam Singh has sparked calls for improved labor protections and accountability within Italy’s agricultural industry. As legal proceedings continue and investigations into farm practices unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to uphold worker safety and rights, particularly among vulnerable migrant communities.
Sources By Agencies
