Indian-origin Sikh kidnapped, killed in California in suspected mistaken identity case

California kidnapping ends in tragic killing (gofundme.com)

A 57-year-old Sikh man of Indian origin has been abducted and killed in California in what investigators believe was a case of mistaken identity. The victim has been identified as Avtar Singh.

Singh was seized in broad daylight on 17 February outside a gurdwara in San Joaquin County’s Tracy, roughly an hour from San Jose. According to authorities, three men forced him into the back of an SUV at about 2.30 pm local time. His wife later reported him missing after returning home from work to find their six-month-old triplets alone.

Body discovered near Lake Berryessa

Three days later, on Friday, Singh’s body was found near Lake Berryessa, around two hours from where he was abducted. Officials confirmed that he was not the intended target, although they have yet to disclose a motive or name any suspects.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said the case is being treated as a homicide, stressing that the attackers had been pursuing someone else, the New York Post reported.

Deep Singh, a colleague at the gurdwara where Avtar Singh worked, described him as devoted and widely admired within the community. He had served as head cook at the temple for 23 years, but those who knew him said his contribution went far beyond the kitchen.

“…He was not only a cook, he was a multi-tasking person,” Deep Singh said, recalling the happiness Avtar and his wife felt when they welcomed premature triplets who required an extended hospital stay.

A GoFundMe page created for the family paid tribute to his warmth and generosity, describing him as someone who “made everyone feel like family.”

“What began as a deeply concerning disappearance has ended in an unimaginable loss for his family and the entire Sangat.,” the fundraiser stated, noting that he is survived by his wife and three infant children.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow said investigators are continuing their efforts to establish why the attack took place and to hold those responsible accountable. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act,” he said.

Avtar Singh’s death has left his family and the wider community in mourning, grieving the loss of a devoted husband and father.