Prominent Sikh Volunteer Kidnapped and Found Dead in California

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Avtar Singh, a 57-year-old longtime volunteer at a Sikh temple in Tracy, California, was kidnapped on February 17 and later found dead near Lake Berryessa. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office says the kidnapping was "not a random act" and that Singh was not the intended target, but they are still investigating the motive.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Sikh community in California, which has faced previous acts of violence targeting its members. The case raises questions about the safety of religious and community leaders, as well as the need for thorough investigations into such crimes.

The details

According to authorities, Singh was forced into an SUV by three unidentified people dressed in dark clothing near the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash, a Sikh place of worship, in Tracy. His body was later found on Friday afternoon by the Napa County Sheriff's Office near Lake Berryessa, about 100 miles from where he was abducted. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office believes Singh's death is an isolated incident.

• On February 17, Avtar Singh was kidnapped in Tracy, California.
• On February 24, Singh's body was found near Lake Berryessa in Napa County.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the motive behind the kidnapping and death of Avtar Singh, and is urging anyone with information to come forward.