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Tributes have been paid to a 'pillar of the Sikh community' who has died after contracting coronavirus.

Father-of-two Mandeep Singh Chitte, who was the stage secretary at Oadby Gurdwara, died yesterday at the age of 46.

Close friend of Mandeep, and general secretary of the Gurdwara, Gurjeet Singh, said he was in 'shock' after learning of his friend's death.

He said: "I am in shock, he was so young and healthy.

"His family are absolutely shocked and upset. It's also a shock to the whole Sikh community.

"I had 50 calls just yesterday from people asking me what happened, and I had another 10 calls this morning already.

"People can't believe it."

In Mandeep's role at the Gurdwara, he was in charge of organising events for the stage.

Gurjeet added: "He was involved in everything, he has been ever since he started here in 2006.

"He did so much voluntary work."

Gurjeet paid tribute to his friend, calling him a 'pillar of the community'.

He said: "He was a very busy person and he knew how to talk to people and he was good with everybody.

"He didn't have a single enemy.

"His life was full of excitement, and he was always volunteering in the community.

"There aren't many people like him."

He added: "We're all going to miss him so much.

"His family and the community are at a great loss to lose him."

The Sikh Federation UK paid tribute to Mandeep calling him a 'very young, strong and active member' of the federation in Leicester.

The tribute reads: "He was highly respected across Leicester and the UK for his panthic seva and commitment.

"Our thoughts and prays go out to all the Chitte family and the Sikh Federation shares their immeasurable loss at such a young age, and leaves behind a young Gursikh family."

MP for Market Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, Neil O'Brien, also paid tribute to Mandeep.

He said on Twitter: "Very sorry to hear the sad news that Mandeep Singh Chitte of the Oadby Gurdwara has passed away.

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"Mandeep was the Stage Secretary at the Gurdwara and always greeted me warmly whenever I visited.

"He will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."