Irish Sikh poll candidate forced to remove turban in Dubai

Northern Ireland's first-ever Sikh candidate contesting the UK general election has complained that he was allegedly forced to remove his turban by police at Dubai airport.

Amandeep Singh Bhogal, a Conservative party prospective parliamentary candidate for the May 7 polls, was on his way back to Belfast when he was allegedly made to remove his turban and 'kara' (bracelet).

Singh expressed his anger through a series of tweets and retweets - "My Sikh faith being grossly violated at @DubaiAirports by @DubaiPoliceHQ as not being allowed leave until I take off and leave my Sikh bangle".

An official statement from the Conservative Party is awaited as UK authorities got involved to try and resolve the situation.

Bhogal, who was born in Jalandhar, has made his mark on the campaign trail for the Conservative party in his trademark blue turban.

The 31-year-old represents the Upper Bann constituency in the heart of Northern Ireland, which is 54 per cent Protestant and deeply Christian and churchgoing.

His candidacy is attracting widespread media interest though he is not expected to win the seat, which is currently held by David Simpson of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).