SMART Collaborating with Bay Area Sikh Community, Law Enforcement to Address Cab Drivers’ Concerns Washington, DC— Following two violent crimes against Bay Area cab drivers last week, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) has been coordinating efforts with the local Sikh community to provide the victims’ families assistance. SMART has also been in direct contact with local and federal authorities and is monitoring the investigation of both shootings. The Sikh community, along with local, state, and federal civic and law enforcement officials will gather this Sunday, July 13, to memorialize the life of Gurpreet Singh. (Details about the memorial service are listed below.) Singh, a 23-year-old Sikh cab driver, was shot to death early July 2 as he attempted to pick up a fare. The Richmond Police Department have not classified the murder as a hate crime and have yet to determine a motive. Another cab driver, Inderjit Singh, 29, of El Sobrante was shot in the jaw on July 5 when he responded to a call from his dispatcher. The victim of this shooting, who is unrelated, survived and has since been released from the hospital. Gurpreet Singh worked as a cab driver since coming to the United States five years ago. He was intending to return to India in October to get married. SMART, along with the Sikh community nationwide, extends its prayers to the family of Gurpreet Singh.
