THOUSANDS have gone online to pay tribute to Gurmail Singh.
Two groups have been set up on social networking website Facebook under the name ‘RIP Gurmail Singh’ to honour the shopkeeper.
A third is called ‘Justice for Gurmail Singh’ in a bid to drum up support for the police investigation.
Among hundreds of messages on the website, one said: “Such a shocking thing to happen to a man trying to make a living.
“It beggars belief how young lads can do this. Someone out there knows something, they must.”
Another said: “Such a lovely man – what a waste. I hope they catch the scumbags that did this.
“Rest in peace Mr Singh. My prayers are for you and your family.”
Another member said: “It is lovely to see people from all walks of life, faiths and colours coming together to mourn the loss of an innocent man.
“I did not know Mr Singh but can see that he was clearly a lovely man with a big heart and will be a great loss to the community of Huddersfield.”
Balbir Singh Uppal, boss of the Sikh Leisure Centre, attached to the Sikh temple in Springwood, said the Sikh community was struggling to come to terms with Mr Singh’s loss.
Mr Singh Uppal, who knew Mr Singh for 30 years, said: “It’s a needless tragedy, for the sake of a few quid. People are very angry.
“There’s a sense of shock through the whole community.”
Mr Singh Uppal, who is also a magistrate in Huddersfield, said people had rallied round the family.
“They have had many visitors and many messages of support and condolence, not just from the Sikh community, but from people of all backgrounds.
“I was in court yesterday and many people approached me to express their sadness.
“Gurmail was such a lovely person and touched the lives of so many.
“Prayers are being said and everybody hopes Gurmail is at peace with God.”
The family have been swamped with people wanting to express condolences and share happy memories of Mr Singh.
