California

California (Rajeev Sharma): Law enforcement officials in California are investigating the death of a Sikh man who was allegedly abducted from a gurdwara complex in Tracy earlier this month. The victim, 57-year-old Avtar Singh, had roots in Ludhiana, Punjab, and had been residing in the United States with his family for several years. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, Singh was reported missing on the evening of February 17 after family members and associates raised concerns about his sudden disappearance. Deputies were dispatched to the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road at approximately 8:52 p.m. to begin…

California (Rajeev Sharma): Authorities in Northern California are continuing their search for 57-year-old Avtar Singh, a Tracy resident who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances earlier this week. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to a possible abduction on the night of February 17 after receiving a missing person complaint from the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road. Investigators believe Singh may have been taken against his will. Surveillance video reviewed by officials shows Singh near a white sport utility vehicle in the company of three unidentified individuals shortly before he disappeared. Authorities suspect…

California (Rajeev Sharma): California has temporarily halted plans to revoke nearly 17,000 commercial driving licences after a legal challenge from Sikh and immigrant rights organisations, offering short-term relief to thousands of truck and bus drivers across the state. The licences will now remain valid until March while authorities review eligibility and compliance issues. The decision follows a class-action lawsuit filed by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus, which alleged that immigrant drivers were being disproportionately targeted despite holding valid qualifications. The groups argued that sudden licence cancellations threatened the livelihoods of drivers who depend on commercial driving for…

Sacramento (Rajeev Sharma): In a historic step toward recognizing the cultural and religious diversity of its population, California may soon become the first U.S. state to officially designate Diwali as a state holiday. The California State Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 268 (AB-268), which proposes to add Diwali — the Festival of Lights celebrated by millions across the world — to the state’s list of official holidays. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 12, 2025, to either sign it into law or veto it. If approved, the legislation would mark a significant…