Sikh leader died during meeting

But some of the community have expressed their anger at the fact that the meeting continued after his body was taken away.

Sardar Tarlochan Singh had just spoken at the debate in the Gurdwara when he suddenly fell ill. A member of the congregation gave him CPR but they and the ambulance crew could do nothing to save him. It is believed he died of a heart attack.

Many have voiced their tributes to the 81-year-old - but some also believe the Gurdwara committee ‘added insult to injury’ by continuing the debate straight afterwards.

Dharminder Singh Sanghera, who was at the meeting, said: “The actions of the Gurdwara management committee were both undignified and disgraceful.

“It’s hard to understand let alone forgive such insensitive and heartless actions.”

Member of the Sikh community Parminder Singh Birdi paid tribute to Mr Tarlochan Singh, saying: “He was a much respected elder member and a perfect ambassador for the Sikh community.

“His life was devoted to fighting unjust causes and the care of the needy.

“He also regularly represented the local Sikh community at the annual Remembrance Day service in Leamington and we will find it difficult to fill that void.”

His family said: “We would like to thank the members of the congregation and the paramedics that tried to revive our father, They tried their best and that is all we could have asked for. Our father passed away peacefully in a place amongst friends that he loved and one could not ask for more.”

The Courier and Weekly News contacted the Gurdwara committee but hadn’t received a response at the time of going to press.