Sikh Man Missing From Gurdwara; Police Investigate Possible Abduction

India-West News Desk

TRACY, CA- The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of a 57-year-old Sikh man from a gurdwara in Tracy after surveillance footage indicated he may have been taken from the property against his will.

Avtar Singh was reported missing February 17 night after deputies responded to the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road at approximately 8:52 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office. However, video recorded earlier that afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., has become central to the investigation.

Authorities said surveillance footage shows Singh near a white SUV with three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing. The video suggests Singh was placed into the vehicle before it left the area. Investigators are reviewing the footage to identify those involved.

Officials said the case is being examined as both a missing person investigation and a possible kidnapping.

Singh is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing light-colored traditional Sikh clothing. Authorities said his whereabouts remain unknown.

According to information released by law enforcement, Singh had been serving as a sevadaar at the Tracy Gurdwara Sahib and was residing on the premises. He is originally from Ludhiana, India, and his family has lived in California for several years.

The sheriff’s office has shared Singh’s photograph and an image of the white SUV on its official social media platforms and is asking anyone with information to come forward. Officials added that, based on available information, the incident appears to be isolated and there is no known ongoing threat to the community.