- By Sakshi Srivastava
- Sat, 19 Jul 2025 11:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major crackdown on organized crime, eight Indian nationals have been arrested in California for their alleged involvement in violent gang activities, including kidnapping, torture, extortion, and multiple weapons violations. The arrests were part of a coordinated operation on July 11 involving local law enforcement, immigration authorities, and the FBI.
Gang Ties And Serious Charges
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced the charges at a press conference on Friday. "In the first of two complaints, we charged Manpreet Singh Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh, Amritpal Singh, Pavittar Singh, and Vishal with kidnapping, torture, extortion, witness intimidation, and multiple gun offences. Based on these charges, they are facing life in prison," he stated.
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Freitas also confirmed that Dilpreet Singh and Arshpreet Singh face weapons-related charges. All eight men have been denied bail and are expected to appear in court on July 24.
Leader Linked To Notorious Gang
According to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, the key target of the investigation was Pavittar Singh, alleged leader of the Pavittar Manjha Gang (PMG), a group already under the radar of Indian authorities for violent crimes. The arrests followed a tip-off from a victim who had been kidnapped and tortured by the accused on June 19 for information related to the Indian community.
Law enforcement officials recovered handguns, an assault rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and 15,000Dollars in cash during the operation. Authorities have urged the Indian community in the area to come forward with any information about the gang’s activities. Sheriff Withrow warned other PMG members that law enforcement would continue to pursue them aggressively.“This takedown was part of the FBI’s Summer Heat initiative, a nationwide effort targeting violent offenders and gang members who terrorize our communities,” said San Joaquin County Police in a statement on X.
This is the second high-profile arrest of an Indian national in California this year. In April, US authorities detained Happy Passia, linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International, on charges related to targeted killings and extortion in India.
