"All we know is we have lost our son. Some people say he came in the line of police firing and died. Some reports say he was lynched by a protesting mob. I am unable to tell you exactly what happed to my son," Shailesh, Devang's father, told rediff.com.
His death has revived the horrifying memories of the 1970s, when on a decree of the then ruler, Idi Amin, thousands of Indians had to flee the country, leaving their hard-earned assets behind to be looted or captured by locals.
To Gujaratis, a migrant community for centuries, social, political or economical instability in an adopted country brings deep insecurity and the realisation that life remains fragile even after securing economic success.
And Devang's death has, perhaps, caused more unrest in India than in Uganda.
"It is really futile to be attracted by a career abroad," said a Nobelnagar resident, while waiting for Devang's body to arrive.
Perhaps unknowingly, she was echoing the sentiment of many around her.
"Devang's father often advised me to go to Uganda, but I was happy here," said Birju, Devang's cousin.
Image : Devang's residence in Ahemadabad
Also see: Laurie Baker: The man we will never forget
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