A shocking incident has emerged from the city of Tracy in the US state of California, where 57-year-old gurdwara volunteer Avtar Singh was kidnapped in broad daylight and later found dead in a remote area.
Avtar Singh had been serving in the langar (community kitchen) at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Prakash Complex for over two decades. He reportedly went missing last week from outside the gurdwara premises.
CCTV footage captured three unidentified men dressed in black forcibly pushing him into a white SUV. According to a report by New York Post, the vehicle suddenly stopped outside the gurdwara, and within seconds, the suspects abducted Singh before fleeing the scene.
When Avtar Singh did not return home by evening, his wife grew concerned. After searching unsuccessfully, a missing person report was filed with police around 9 PM that night.
Three days later, authorities discovered a body in a remote lake area outside the city. Police later confirmed that the body was that of Avtar Singh.
Investigators believe the crime may be a case of mistaken identity. Officials indicated that Singh was likely not the intended target, and the attackers may have been searching for someone else. However, the suspects have not yet been identified, and the exact motive behind the killing remains unclear.
Avtar Singh had dedicated more than 23 years to community service at the gurdwara. He recently became the father of premature triplets who required extended hospital care. The local Sikh community had celebrated their recovery just months ago. Now, the same family is mourning an irreparable loss.
Members of the Sikh community have described Singh as a humble, hardworking, and selfless individual. A fundraising initiative has been launched to support his grieving family during this difficult time.
Police investigations are ongoing.
