Indian’s execution in Indonesia delayed, kin rejoice in Punjab

First came the news of his execution in Indonesia. As the family of Gurdip Singh went into mourning and his wife passed out in shock, a WhatsApp message arrived – he was alive. Soon after, a phone call from an Indian embassy staff confirmed the execution of the Indian citizen accused of smuggling drugs had been put on hold.

From prayers to despair and back to hope and celebrations, the two hours were an emotional roller-coaster for the Jalandhar-based family of Singh, 48, who ended up on a remote island prison in Indonesia on his way to New Zealand seeking employment as a driver in 2002.

Still, Singh’s life is far from safe.

He was among 14 who were taken out of their cells to face the firing squad late on Thursday night (India time). Four had been shot dead before a storm forced the executioners to take the death row convicts back to their cells, according to reports from Indonesia.