California Archives - National Times

14 Sep

California Killing Puts US Immigration Policies Under Fresh Scrutiny

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The killing of 38-year-old Indian-origin woman Shalini Thakur in California has reignited debate in the United States over illegal immigration, border enforcement and the release of migrants after their initial apprehension. The case has also become part of a wider political discussion over immigration policy as the US heads towards the November midterm elections, with border security expected to remain a prominent issue. The US Department of Homeland Security has used the case to criticise immigration policies implemented during the Biden administration. In a statement, a DHS spokesperson alleged that the suspect had entered the country illegally…

13 Sep

Indian-Origin Woman Shot Dead in California; Suspected Stalker Dies After Police Standoff

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

Sacramento (Rajeev Sharma): A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman was shot dead at a shopping centre in California after allegedly being stalked for several months, with the suspected attacker later dying from what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police standoff. The incident took place on September 8 at the Arden Arcade shopping centre in Sacramento. The victim, identified as Shalini Thakur, was allegedly targeted by a 22-year-old Indian national identified as Rohit. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, Rohit approached Thakur at the shopping centre and shot her following a chase before fleeing the area.…

16 Jun

Routine Test Flight Ends in Disaster as B-52 Bomber Crashes Near Edwards Air Force Base, 8 Killed

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia, US

California (Rajeev Sharma): A routine evaluation mission turned fatal after a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber reportedly crashed shortly after departure from Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert. Initial reports suggest that all eight crew members aboard the aircraft lost their lives in the accident. The bomber is believed to have encountered difficulties moments after take-off while conducting a scheduled test flight. Rescue and emergency personnel were immediately deployed to the crash site, while military authorities cordoned off the area to facilitate investigation and recovery efforts. Officials have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to go…

22 Feb

California Authorities Probe Death of Indian-Origin Gurdwara Worker After Abduction

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

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…

20 Feb

Search Intensifies for Tracy Resident Avtar Singh After Suspected Kidnapping in California

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

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…

01 Jan

California Pauses Mass Cancellation of Trucking Licences Amid Legal Dispute

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

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…

30 Nov

Four Killed, Several Injured in Shooting at Family Event in California

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCalifornia, Shooting

National Times Bureau :- Four people were killed and at least ten others were injured after gunfire erupted during a family gathering in Stockton, California, on Sunday evening. The suspect is still on the run, officials said. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place at a banquet hall near Lucile Avenue, roughly six miles north of downtown Stockton. Deputies rushed to the scene shortly before 6 p.m. following multiple reports of shots fired. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent said the gathering was a family celebration when the attack occurred. Victims included both juveniles and adults,…

04 Nov

California crash: Indian-origin trucker Jashanpreet Singh not under drug influence during fatal accident, say US officials

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, World NewsCalifornia, Punjabi, Truck Driver, Update

National Times Bureau :- A major development has emerged in the California road accident case involving 21-year-old Indian-origin driver Jashanpreet Singh from Yuba City. US authorities have now clarified that Singh was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident that claimed three lives last month. He was arrested on October 21 on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after a deadly collision on a San Bernardino County freeway. However, a recent toxicology report has revealed no traces of intoxicating substances in his blood. Despite this, officials confirmed that charges of vehicular manslaughter…

23 Sep

California Moves Closer to Declaring Diwali a State Holiday

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsCalifornia

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…