Mistaken identity? Gurudwara cook who was kidnapped & killed was not intended target

A 57-year-old Sikh temple volunteer, Avtaar Singh was killed successful California aft being abducted earlier this month, authorities said. He was recovered dormant days aft helium was reported missing.In a startling twist, officials person present confirmed that Singh was not the intended people of the kidnapping that led to his death.San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told section media that Singh was not the intended people of the kidnapping and homicide.“This was not a random act,” Withrow said. “They were targeted aft different idiosyncratic for a circumstantial crushed and we're hoping that crushed comes to light.” Authorities person not disclosed further details astir the motive oregon however Singh ended up successful Napa County.Singh, a longtime sevadaar and navigator astatine the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash analyzable successful Tracy, was reported missing connected February 17 aft helium was allegedly abducted from the temple premises successful the afternoon. Surveillance footage reviewed by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office showed a achromatic SUV and 3 individuals dressed successful acheronian covering with Singh and helium appeared to person entered the conveyance against his will. His woman alerted authorities aboriginal that evening erstwhile helium did not instrumentality home.

The couple’s six-month-old triplets were recovered unsocial astatine their residence wrong the temple complex, according to KTVU. Three days later, Singh’s assemblage was discovered adjacent Lake Berryessa successful Napa County, astir 100 miles from Tracy and astir a two-hour thrust away. The conveyance believed to beryllium progressive was besides located astatine the scene. Confirming the development, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said connected Monday, “It is with profound sadness that we corroborate the kidnapping victim, Avtar Singh, has been located deceased.

Our detectives are moving tirelessly to analyse this lawsuit and place those liable for this unspeakable act.”Addressing members of the gurdwara congregation, San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas described Singh arsenic an guiltless victim. “He was successful nary mode liable for the evil that came to him,” Freitas said, portion besides urging anyone with accusation to travel forward, highlighting that determination are “people who saw things, radical who cognize things.”Singh was wide known wrong the Sikh assemblage for his work and humility. He had served for years astatine institutions linked to Damdami Taksal, including astatine the Tracy gurdwara wherever helium resided and worked arsenic a cook. Community members described him arsenic dependable and selfless, idiosyncratic who could beryllium counted connected to hole thing astir the property. A fundraiser organised to enactment his household described him arsenic known for his “humility, quiescent dedication, and loving quality that made everyone consciousness similar family,” adding that his lack has near a profound void.His ceremonial is scheduled to beryllium held astatine Fry Memorial Chapel, followed by prayers and a assemblage repast astatine the gurdwara. Investigators proceed to probe the circumstances of the abduction and killing, portion urging anyone with applicable accusation to interaction the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.