Pargat Singh Sandhu is famous for his charity work and bravery. He hails from Dabkheri village in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
He is known as “Pargat Gotakhor” in the adjoining areas, which literally means diver or swimmer who takes things out from deep waters.
Till date, he has captured seven crocodiles, and has taken out many dead bodies from the deep waters of Jyotisar Heads, seven km from Kurukshetra.
Jyotisar Heads is formed by three major water waterways including Narwana Branch canal, Satluj Yamuna Link and Sarswati drain.
“When I was young my parents told me that floods long ago may have brought some crocodiles via waterways from Bhaur Saidan Crocodile Breeding Centre,” said Pargat Singh in an interview with SBS Punjabi.
The Bhor Saidan Crocodile Breeding Centre is located 22 km from Kurukshetra and 13 km from Thanesar at Bhor Saidan village, on the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, the only such facility in northern India.
Pargat has no formal training in capturing the beasts but he said he is always keen and careful. He admits that with God’s grace he has never feared the crocodiles.
Source: Supplied
“The crocs I captured are as big as 8-10 feet. They target grazing animals, and the residents are absolutely terrified. I always wanted to help people, such is my mission," said Mr Singh.
Pargat Singh has also seen many people commit suicide at Jyotisar head point.
Source: Supplied
“I help to take out dead bodies at free of costs. This is my mission. As a Sikh I try to help people in need," said Pargat Singh.
People want to perform the last rituals of the bodies of their loved ones, and I understand their desperation.
“The professional divers take lakhs of Indian rupees to fish out the dead bodies, and we do it for free as a charity. That’s my payback and service to humanity.
“As a 'diver' or as a 'croc hunter', none of the Government officials ever contacted me with any job offer. Not that I ask for any financial help. All is well with God’s grace. I feel content doing what I am doing at the moment.
“I am training my young daughters swimming these days. It is need of the hour. And I also urge other people in the area to do the same. Even I am happy to help anyone learn swimming.
“Please feel free to contact me if you want my services to hunt crocodiles in this area. I will capture and hand them over to the district officials.
According to a Tribune report, though this area is not a natural habitat of crocodiles, but officials believe several more may be in the area.
Pargat is often found roaming around Jyotisar Heads, where he is always ready to help! Source: Supplied
In 2010, four crocodiles, including two adults (a male and a female), were found in the marshlands near Dabkheri while young reptiles were caught from adjoining areas.
"Pargat is a true disciple of Bhai Kanhaiya ji. His charity, mission and selfless service of humanity with no distinction of color, caste or creed must be cherished by all means,” said one of Pargat’s Melbourne based admirer Rashpal Singh.
"ਭਾਈ ਕੰਨਈਆ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਿੲਤਿਹਾਸ ਚੋ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਨਾ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਦੋ ਧੀਆ ਦਾ ਗਰੀਬ ਿਪਉ "ਪਰਗਟ ਿਸੰਘ" ਨਹਿਰਾ ਚ ਡੁੱਬ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਿਮ੍ਰਤਕ ਸਰੀਰਾ ਨੰੂ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢਣ ਲਈ ਫਰੀ ਚ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰ ਿਰਹਾ। ਿਮ੍ਰਤਕ ਸਰੀਰ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢਣ ਲਈ ਤੈਰਾਕ ਲੱਖਾ ਰੁਪਏ ਲਏ ਜਾਦੇ ਹਨ।ਪਰ ਿੲੱਕ ਗਰੀਬ ਲੋਕਾ ਦੀ ਜਮੀਨ ਵਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸੱਚਾ ਗੁਰਿਸੱਖ ਿਬਲਕੁਲ ਫ੍ਰਰੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਭਾਈ ਕੰਨਈਆ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਸੱਚੇ ਵਾਰਸ "ਪਰਗਟ ਿਸੰਘ" ਨੰੂ ਕੋਟ ਕੋਟ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਮ🙏👏 - Rashpal Singh from Melbourne
