Sikh Man Kidnapped From Outside California Gurdwara, Murdered In Mistaken Identity Case

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 11:39 IST

Avtar Singh, a Sikh man and father of triplets, was kidnapped and murdered California in a mistaken identity case. His body was found near Lake Berryessa.

A 57-year-old Sikh man of Indian origin was kidnapped and murdered in California in what police believe to be a case of mistaken identity. The deceased has been identified as Avtar Singh, father of the young triplets.

Singh was abducted in broad daylight on February 17 outside a gurdwara in San Joaquin County’s Tracy city, just an hour from San Jose, when three suspects forced him into the back of an SUV around 2.30 pm (local time). His wife reported him missing later that evening after returning home from work to find their six-month-old triplets alone.

Body Found Three Days After Kidnapping

Singh’s body was recovered three days later, on Friday, near Lake Berryessa, about two hours from the abduction site. Authorities confirmed that he was not the intended target of the attack, though they have not yet disclosed a motive or identified any suspects.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow said the case is being investigated as a homicide, emphasising that the perpetrators were targeting another individual, New York Post reported.

Deep Singh, a colleague of the victim at the Sikh temple, described him as dedicated, hardworking, and deeply respected. The victim had served as the head cook at the gurdwara for 23 years, but was known for much more than cooking.

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

A GoFundMe set up for the family paid tribute to Avtar Singh’s warm and caring nature, calling him a man 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.," it stated, noting that he leaves behind his wife and three infants.

Sheriff Withrow confirmed that investigators are working diligently to determine the reason behind the attack and bring those responsible to justice. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act," he said.

Avtar Singh’s sudden death has left his family and community devastated, mourning a devoted father and husband.

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