A deeply troubling case has emerged from Tracy, California, where a 57-year-old Sikh man, who was reportedly kidnapped in broad daylight from outside a gurdwara, has been found dead, local authorities and community sources confirmed. The victim, identified as Avtar Singh, had served for over 20 years as a sevadar a dedicated volunteer at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex, where he was well-known and respected within the local Sikh community.
Surveillance footage released by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office shows Singh being forced into a white SUV by three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing around 2:30 p.m. (U.S. time) last week, shortly after he was seen outside the gurdwara premises. Authorities believe he entered the vehicle against his will, triggering a missing person investigation.
Body Discovered Near Napa County
Days after Singh’s disappearance, a body was discovered near Lake Berryessa off State Highway 128 in Napa County. The site prompted significant road closures between Monticello Dam and Wragg Canyon Road as investigators worked the scene. Although official confirmation of the body’s identity is still pending, friends, family members and local supporters have expressed their conviction that it is Singh, based on personal knowledge and a fundraising page set up for his family.
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office has since handed over the case to the San Joaquin County authorities, stating that while the body was found in Napa County, the circumstances of death appear connected to events in the Tracy area. Investigators are awaiting a medical examiner’s report to confirm identification and cause of death.
Esteemed Community Volunteer
Avtar Singh was beloved among local congregants not just for his many years of service but for his humility, devotion, and tireless contribution to the gurdwara’s daily life. Known affectionately as both a volunteer and “langri” one who performs seva (selfless service) Singh had been part of the Tracy Sikh community for more than two decades, supporting religious functions, langar (community meals), and other activities that strengthen bonds among worshippers.
Community members reacted with shock and sorrow at the development. Many described his death as a “devastating loss” for the Sikh community in Tracy a close-knit diaspora of worshippers and families for whom the gurdwara serves as both spiritual hub and social centre. Members noted that Singh’s dedication made him a fixture of the complex, where he lived and worked for many years.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information related to Singh’s kidnapping or subsequent death that might aid in identifying those responsible. Officials have indicated that, based on preliminary evidence, the incident appears serious and warrants comprehensive inquiry, but they have not yet released details about potential suspects or motives.
Deputies originally began investigating Singh’s disappearance after responding to a call in the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road, near the gurdwara. Community leaders and police have stressed that any individual with relevant information contact the sheriff’s office to assist with the ongoing probe.
Community Support for the Family
In the aftermath of Singh’s presumed death, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his surviving family including his wife and six-month-old triplets through funeral costs and their future wellbeing. The campaign has attracted contributions and messages of sympathy from supporters across the Sikh community and beyond, reflecting both grief and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.
As investigators continue work to piece together the full circumstances of the abduction and death, community leaders have emphasized unity, prayer, and support for Singh’s family during this difficult time.