Bathinda: Members of the Sikh sangat in Germany have accused a man from Mangewal village in Barnala district of duping people of around €80,000 (over Rs 80 lakh) by exploiting their sympathies.In a video message, the sangat has warned people against giving Amarjit Singh money, alleging that he obtained an Italian passport under another name, Harpreet Singh.The sangat, led by Love Singh of Weinheim, released copies of two passports allegedly belonging to the man. An Indian passport issued in Chandigarh on Aug 4, 2017, lists his name as Amarjit Singh, birthplace as Barnala and date of birth as July 28, 1987. An Italian passport issued on July 7, 2022, in the name of Harpreet Singh lists his birthplace as Haryana and date of birth as Oct 12, 1988.The sangat alleged that Amarjit Singh had duped people in India while posing as a granthi before moving to Germany, where he obtained asylum. While serving as a sewadar at a gurdwara in Hamburg, he allegedly collected €50,000-60,000 by claiming that his sister or father was unwell and he needed money. He allegedly collected over €20,000 from devotees at a gurdwara in Weinheim.Love Singh alleged that whenever the man’s actions came to light, he would spread rumours of his own death and move elsewhere. The sangat said it had gone public to warn others against falling victim to similar alleged fraud.Residents of Mangewal confirmed that Amarjit Singh had left the village years ago but declined to speak on record. Villagers said his family was no longer in touch with him.Barnala SSP Mohd Sarfaraz Alam said police were examining the details. “During preliminary inquiries, no case has been found against him. If anyone comes forward with a complaint of fraud or possession of two passports, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
