Growing Concerns Over Gang-Related Threats to Sikh Community in California
Last fall, Harsimran Singh was excited about hosting an international Kabaddi tournament in Stockton, aiming to bring together 15,000 fans for the event. However, as the date approached, many athletes began withdrawing from participation.
Singh, as president of the American Kabaddi Federation, was anxious as he noticed the growing number of cancellations. After pressing for answers, he discovered that some players were receiving threats from gang members—many of who were currently in Indian prisons—urging them not to participate. The threats included dire warnings for those who didn’t follow the orders.
“The players were terrified. They didn’t want to cross gangsters who might harm them or their families,” Singh explained.
What happened to Singh’s tournament is part of a troubling trend involving intimidation and violence directed at Indian and Punjabi Sikhs across California. Criminal gangs are using straightforward tactics: they demand money from victims and threaten harm to their families and businesses if they refuse.
California is home to over 250,000 Sikhs, making it the largest Sikh community in the U.S. Many of these individuals maintain close ties to friends and family in India, traveling back and forth frequently.
Local law enforcement believes that criminal networks, especially those with roots in northern India states like Punjab and Haryana, find Sikhs to be appealing targets due to their wealth and community ties. Gangs often focus on individuals in lucrative professions such as real estate and transport.
In a recent alert, the FBI urged the Indian community in California to report extortion attempts. They highlighted serious threats that have led to violence, including at least two murders linked to these criminal networks.
Local Sheriff Patrick Withrow noted how these gangs operate differently than domestic ones. “These groups often have ties back to India, where threats are made against family members or businesses located there,” he said. Initial extortion demands typically range from $4,000 to $7,000, a figure many victims feel is manageable enough to avoid police involvement.
However, it rarely ended there. According to Withrow, extortionists often return for more money after the initial payment, which has led to two reported cases per month over the past year in his county alone. In a recent bust, officials arrested eight suspected gang members led by Pavittar Preet Singh, who faces serious charges in India.
At the center of the crime wave is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, currently one of India’s most notorious criminal organizations. Despite its leader being imprisoned in India, he continuously directs gang activities through encrypted communication, including extortion efforts in the U.S.
In December 2023, Bishnoi himself contacted a victim from prison to make an extortion demand, which was a rare and alarming indication of the gang’s reach.
The FBI has also tracked efforts to use contraband cell phones by gang members, allowing them to coordinate threats and violence, even internationally. Additionally, the arrest of Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol, in Nebraska has further spotlighted the gang’s violent agenda, including notable high-profile homicides back in India.
Community leaders like Naindeep Singh from the Jakara Movement have emphasized that fear of retaliation keeps many Sikhs from reporting extortion attempts. This silence, they believe, enables gang activities to persist unchecked.
In response to the threats surrounding the Kabaddi tournament, Singh ultimately decided to proceed, bolstered by security provided by both police and private guards. He acknowledges the serious risks involved but remains committed to ensuring the tournament is a success despite the environment of fear.
“We want to avoid any situation that could harm our families or businesses,” Singh concluded. “Security measures held, and the event went on as planned.”
