California crash: Family of Punjab youth denies drug use, seeks intervention of Akal Takht and SGPC
PTC Web Desk: The family of 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, a truck driver from Gurdaspur district in Punjab, has appealed for intervention from Sikh religious authorities after he was arrested in the United States following a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Ontario, California. The horrific accident, involving eight vehicles, claimed three lives and left four others injured.
Jashanpreet, a resident of Puranashala village located about 8 km from Gurdaspur on the Mukerian road, has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of drugs, and causing bodily injury. However, his family has strongly denied allegations of drug use, claiming he was a devout Sikh who strictly followed religious principles.
His father, Ravinder Singh, who drives a school bus for a living, said Jashanpreet regularly participated in nagar kirtans and often played the role of one of the Panj Pyaras during religious processions. “He was a practising Sikh who never touched intoxicants. We are deeply hurt by these false allegations,” he said. Displaying photographs of his son at religious events, Ravinder Singh added that the family has full faith that the truth will come out.
Jashanpreet’s mother, Jasveer Kaur, has appealed to the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to take up the matter with the Indian Consulate in California. “Our son was a baptised Sikh. We urge Sikh institutions to speak to US authorities so that his case is investigated fairly,” she said.
The family said they had paid nearly Rs 40 lakh to a travel agent to send Jashanpreet abroad, hoping for a better future. “We mortgaged our home to help him settle overseas. But this tragedy has shattered our dreams,” Ravinder Singh added, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
According to reports, Jashanpreet entered the United States in November 2022 by crossing the southern border. He was briefly detained by border authorities but later released under a US government policy that allows migrants to remain in the country pending deportation hearings.
While the California authorities have cited toxicology reports suggesting drug use, the family insists their son is innocent and a victim of misrepresentation. They hope that diplomatic and religious intervention can ensure justice and a transparent investigation.
- With inputs from agencies
