Sikh man kidnapped from outside gurdwara in California's Tracy found dead; served there as sevadar for 20 years
Avtar Singh, a longtime sevadar at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex in Tracy, was kidnapped last week by 3 men dressed in dark clothing
A 57-year-old man, who was kidnapped in broad daylight from a gurdwara in Tracy in the US, has been found dead, police have confirmed, though a formal identification is pending.
Tracy is a rapidly growing city in California's San Joaquin County.
Avtar Singh, a longtime sevadar at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex in Tracy and father of three, was reportedly kidnapped last week by three men dressed in dark clothing.
CCTV footage cited by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office shows Singh being forced into a white SUV. Authorities said he appeared to enter the vehicle against his will.
Officials began investigating later that evening after responding to the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road in Tracy regarding his disappearance.
On Saturday, a body was found along State Highway 128 near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, prompting road closures between Monticello Dam and Wragg Canyon Road. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office said the case has been turned over to San Joaquin County authorities and indicated that the person did not appear to have died in Napa County.
While officials have not formally confirmed the identity of the deceased, friends and community members say Singh has died. A GoFundMe page set up for his family states that he leaves behind wife and six-month-old triplets.
Singh served the Tracy gurdwara for more than 20 years as a dedicated volunteer and 'langri', and was known for his humility and devotion. Community members described his death as a devastating loss that has shaken the local Sikhs.
Officials are urging anyone with information related to the kidnapping to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
