This Article is From Mar 13, 2010

Gurshan's parents to leave for India today

Gurshan's parents to leave for India today
Melbourne: Parents of three-year-old Indian toddler who was "killed" in Melbourne on March 4, will leave for India on Saturday night with the child's body to perform the last rites. (In Pics: Missing Indian toddler found dead in Oz)

They are likely to reach India on Sunday and the last rites are expected to be performed on Monday in Faridkot town of Punjab. (Read:Oz: Toddler's parents want to cremate body back home)

Gurshan's father, Harjit, said he would discuss the possibility of return to Australia with his parents who are coming down from Canada to attend the funeral.

"We might come back after enrolling in a course but have not decided yet," he told PTI.

He said he was sad and angry about the incident which happened with his son.

He asked media to question the accused on why and what made him do such heinous crime.
(Read: Dhillon admits he accidentally knocked Indian toddler down)

Meanwhile, a memorial service was held for Gurshan which was attended by Indian Council General Anita Nair and leading members of the Indian community.

At the Sikh funeral proceedings, Gurshan's mother Harpreet Kaur Channa addressed the memorial in English before the visitors paid their tributes to the open coffin and placed flower petals.

Channa said despite her high hopes for life with her son and husband in Australia, "destiny had something else in mind, and now we are going back without Gurshan's smile and lively presence". (Read: Indian toddler vanishes, found dead in Oz)

Vasan Srinivasan, President of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria, said the family wished to thank the Victorian police, Victorian Government, SES workers and the broader Australian community for their support.

He said arrangement were being made to help the parents fly out of Melbourne for Delhi tonight with Gurshan's body.


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