Kidnapped From Outside Of Gurdwara, Indian-Origin Man Found Dead in California

A week after he was abducted from a public place in California, a 57-year-old Indian-origin man has been found dead, authorities in the United States said. The victim, identified as Avtar Singh, was located near Lake Berryessa on Saturday, four days after he was reported missing.

Confirming the development, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said detectives were continuing to pursue leads in what they described as a targeted crime. "It is with profound sadness that we confirm that Avtar Singh has been found deceased. Our investigation remains active as we work to identify those responsible," the department said.

Singh was taken on Tuesday from outside a gurdwara in San Joaquin County. Investigators say three unidentified men, dressed in dark clothing, forced him into a white SUV. Surveillance footage reviewed by police shows Singh attempting to resist before being subdued. He is survived by his wife and triplet children.

The search began after Singh's wife contacted law enforcement when he failed to return home. CCTV footage later provided crucial evidence, allowing investigators to trace the abduction.

Targeted attack, but not the intended victim

Authorities believe the kidnapping was deliberate but may have involved mistaken identity. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said investigators suspect the attackers were actually searching for another individual.

"This does not appear to be a random act," Withrow told KCRA-TV. "We believe they were looking for someone else, and unfortunately Mr Singh may have been taken by mistake."

Police have not disclosed a possible motive and said no arrests have been made so far.

Second fatal case involving Indian-origin individuals

The incident follows another recent death involving an Indian national in California. Earlier this month, the body of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old student, was recovered near Lake Anza after he went missing on February 9.

Sreenivasaiah was pursuing a master's degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, having previously completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Authorities say investigations into both cases are ongoing, as concern grows among Indian-origin communities in the region.