COMMUNITY RELEASE June 28, 2017 SALDEF is saddened to learn about the tragic murders of Subag Singh and Simranjit Singh both of California, in separate and unrelated incidents. Our condolences go out to the family of Subag Singh, of Fresno, California, and Simranjit Singh of Elk Grove, California. On the morning of Sunday, July 23, 68 year-old Subag Singh was seen leaving his home in Fresno, California. When he didn’t return that evening, his family released a missing person notice. He was later found dead in a canal with physical injuries. READ: Deputies search for answers after Sikh man was found dead On the night of Tuesday, July 25, 20 year-old Simranjit Singh was shot and killed while working at a gas station near Sacramento, California. Before the attack was carried out on Simranjit, his colleague faced verbal and physical attacks by a group of men and fled the scene to call 911. READ: Gas station employee went outside to empty trash. Soon after, he was shot dead. At this point in both investigations, it is unclear if either of these crimes were racially motivated but we are working with both local and federal laws enforcement authorities to ensure these murders are thoroughly investigated and that the local jurisdictions are treating the cases with the utmost importance. Additionally, SALDEF has also been in contact with the local field office of the FBI, the Department of Justice, Community Relations Service, as well as the office of US Attorney. They are aware of the crime, and while not actively involved, are awaiting further reports. “These attacks are inexcusable and we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of Subag Singh and SImranjit Singh,” aside SALDEF Executive Director, Baldev Singh. “We call upon local and federal law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these heinous crimes and classify them as hate incidents if hate is show to be a motive.” This is the third incident in California in the last ten days alone. On July 18th, a Sikh American woman, Ms. Simranjit Grewal, was driving to work when suddenly an unknown assailant threw a rock at her car, shattering the windshield on the passenger side. The rock hit Grewal’s hip, causing reddening and a bruise. Additionally, as he assaulted Ms. Grewal, the suspect allegedly yelled, “Go back to your country”. As always, SALDEF urges all Sikh Americans to immediately report any incidents of harassment, bullying or assault to SALDEF and your local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of any racially motivated crime, please contact SALDEF directly at 202403-0246 or via our Report an Incident Form. SALDEF encourages all Sikh Americans to remain vigilant during this time of increased violence, ensure you Know Your Rights if you undergo any form of harassment or discrimination and to continue to always practice your faith fearlessly.
