Khanna (Punjab), Jan 28 (IANS) Hundreds of people turned up at Dholanwal village near Khanna town of Punjab Thursday for the cremation of Sukhwinder Singh, a London-based Indian braveheart fatally attacked by muggers Jan 8.
Sukhwinder, who was described by London’s Metropolitan Police as a “hero” after he chased and confronted young men who had snatched the bag of a woman near Barking station in East London, was given a tearful sendoff by family members and residents of his village.

Sukhwinder’s body was brought in a coffin here from London Wednesday night, and was consigned to flames as per Sikh rituals.

The pyre was lit by his son Gurinder, 10, who saw his father for the first time only on Wednesday.

Sukhwinder, 31, had migrated to Britain nearly a decade ago, months before his son was born. He had not returned since as he tried to settle himself in London.

Family members and villagers demanded that the Punjab government declare Sukhwinder martyr for earning the title of a ‘hero’ from London authorities following his act of bravery for a complete stranger.

“He should be declared a martyr, his photograph should be put up in the Sikh museum and the government should help his family,” Mohan Singh, a relative, said.

Akali Dal MP from Ludhiana Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, who attended the cremation, said he would take up the matter with the state government to help Sukhwinder’s family.