Father and son charged with federal arson for Queens print shop fire

Narinder and Jahwar Singh accused of setting blaze during eviction proceedings

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A father-and-son duo, Narinder and Jahwar Singh, have been charged with federal arson for allegedly setting fire to their Queens print shop in the midst of eviction proceedings. Video footage shows the two men at the shop shortly before the fire broke out, and prosecutors allege they used a smart plug to remotely activate a hotplate and start the blaze.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing issue of commercial evictions and the sometimes-desperate measures taken by those facing displacement. The Singhs' alleged arson attack caused significant damage and disruption, raising concerns about public safety and the rule of law.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, on February 18, 2026, surveillance video captured Narinder and Jahwar Singh, the father and son who owned the print shop, moving a table with a hotplate and paper towels to another part of the shop. Several minutes later, one of the paper towel rolls was seen on top of the hotplate, and the men left the scene. Four hours later, the paper towel caught fire, and prosecutors allege the Singhs used a smart plug to remotely activate the hotplate and start the blaze.

  • On February 18, 2026, the fire broke out at the Queens print shop.
  • On March 5, 2026, the criminal complaint against Narinder and Jahwar Singh was unsealed.

The players

Narinder Singh

The father of Jahwar Singh, who is accused of setting fire to the Queens print shop they owned.

Jahwar Singh

The son of Narinder Singh, who is also accused of setting fire to the Queens print shop they owned.

Daniel Amzallag

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case against the Singhs.

Robert Caliendo

The court-appointed attorney representing Jahwar Singh.

Peggy Kuo

The U.S. Magistrate Judge who ordered Jahwar Singh's release on bond with certain conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was a crime done out of revenge.”

— Daniel Amzallag, Assistant U.S. Attorney (amny.com)

“They came here to get away from that.”

— Robert Caliendo, Jahwar Singh's attorney (amny.com)

“Like a lot of people dealing with this immigration question, we simply don't know what's going to happen.”

— Robert Caliendo, Jahwar Singh's attorney (amny.com)

What’s next

An immigration judge has ordered Jahwar Singh detained, and his attorney is seeking asylum for him and his family due to a disagreement with India's BJP Party. The judge in the arson case will determine if Jahwar Singh can be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions and desperate measures taken by some facing commercial eviction, as well as the complex immigration issues that can intersect with criminal cases. It raises concerns about public safety and the rule of law, and underscores the need for balanced solutions to address the challenges facing small businesses and their owners.