On Thursday, the US government suspended eight IT companies from applying for green cards on behalf of foreign workers. Besides TCS, the list includes Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant and Microsoft. Washington’s argument is that the practice has made it harder for American workers to get jobs.

TCS responded on Friday. The company said it filed only a handful of applications under the programme, known as PERM, in the last two years. “Our PERM applications were in single digits in the last two years,” it said, so it doesn’t see the suspension affecting its workforce plans or customer work.

The company added that it will follow whatever instructions the US Department of Labour gives. TCS also stressed that its US strategy is built around hiring local talent, backed by a strong campus recruitment system. It says it has built a large local team across 31 offices and delivery centres in the country. It had also announced earlier that it plans to hire another 15,000 people in the US over the next five years.

Nasscom: two separate issues

Industry body Nasscom also weighed in. It said immigration and the movement of skilled talent are “two distinct issues” and shouldn’t be seen as the same thing. According to Nasscom, this decision affects one specific immigration route, and the body has always argued that the two should be kept apart.

Growing pressure on Indian IT

The move comes at a time when Indian IT firms are already dealing with a tougher environment in the US. Work visas are getting closer scrutiny and H-1B applications now cost more. The US is the biggest market for India’s USD 300-billion IT industry and companies there depend on skilled professionals being able to move across borders. This latest step adds to the uncertainty.

US H-1B crackdown: Tata, Infosys, Cognizant among 8 IT firms barred from Green Card filing| What it means for Indians

The US government said the decision was aimed at protecting American jobs, arguing that hiring foreign workers through such programmes could affect employment opportunities for US citizens.

US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the decision on Thursday. Other affected companies reportedly include global firms such as Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe. He was accompanied by the head of the US Anti-Fraud Task Force and Vice President JD Vance.

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"I am hereby suspending from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini," Sonderling said.

He said the US government will not accept "any new or process" any pending permanent labour certification applications involving these companies.

"Since 2009, just these companies alone have requested almost three million foreign workers. They've received over 230,000 H-1B visa approvals and over 100,000 permanent labour certifications," Sonderling added.

What Is PERM and Why Is It Important?

PERM stands for Permanent Labour Certification. It is a process that employers generally need to complete before sponsoring foreign workers for certain employment-based green cards.

Under the process, employers must demonstrate to the US Department of Labour that there are no qualified, willing and available American workers for the position. They must also show that hiring a foreign employee will not negatively affect the wages or working conditions of similarly employed US workers.

Once the PERM process is completed, employers can generally proceed to the next stages of the employment-based green card application.

How Could suspension affect Indian employees?

Indian professionals account for a large share of approved H-1B visa applications each year. The latest move comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to tighten immigration rules, saying it wants to protect jobs for American workers.

The suspension could delay or prevent affected companies from starting new PERM applications for their employees while the restrictions remain in place. Indian H-1B workers who have not yet begun the PERM process could face longer waits before their employers can sponsor them for permanent residency.

According to Darubra, employees whose companies have not yet filed their PERM applications cannot begin the process while their employers remain suspended from the programme.

For many Indian professionals, the employment-based green card process is an important route from temporary work status towards permanent residency in the US.

The longer the suspension continues, the greater the potential delay for employees waiting for their companies to begin or advance their green card applications.

Does PERM suspension affect H-1B visa holder ?

The suspension of the PERM programme does not automatically affect the H-1B visa status of Indian employees working in the US. Employees who have valid H-1B status can continue to live and work in the US as long as they maintain their legal status, even if their employer has been suspended from the PERM programme.

According to Darubra, the suspension does not affect an employee’s valid H-1B status or their ability to stay and work in the US.

In simple terms, Indian IT professionals working for companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL will not automatically lose their H-1B visas because of this action. However, their employers’ ability to begin the PERM process for green card applications could be delayed.

The FBI alleges that Brar is a key North American leader of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group, which investigators have linked to violent criminal activity in the United States and Canada.

According to US federal authorities, the group has allegedly been involved in a range of crimes, including targeted killings, shootings, kidnappings, extortion, assaults and the trafficking of drugs and weapons.

Brar is the 543rd fugitive to be placed on the FBI's ten most wanted list since the programme was launched in 1950.

Brar facing multiple charges in US

A federal arrest warrant for Goldy Brar was issued on July 1, 2026, by the US District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

He has been charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to interfere with commerce through extortion, attempted interference with commerce through extortion and conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.

Investigators say Brar has connections to Sacramento and Fresno in California, besides links to Canada, India and Mexico. US authorities believe he may be living in California or different parts of Canada.

The FBI has classified him as armed and extremely dangerous and is asking members of the public to share any information that could help investigators locate him.

An FBI official said the agency considers Brar a serious threat and has made his capture a priority. The bureau said the $1 million reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Action follows Operation Hardball

The FBI's move comes shortly after the US Attorney's Office announced the results of Operation Hardball on July 7.

The operation followed a years-long federal investigation into India-based organised crime networks accused of carrying out activities including racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, arson and large-scale international drug trafficking.

Three indictments were unsealed as part of the operation, charging 37 people allegedly linked to three India-based transnational organised crime groups.

Canadian authorities have also highlighted Brar's alleged role in organised crime. Lisa Moreland, deputy commissioner of federal policing with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), said Brar and his alleged network had been linked to serious criminal activity, including murders, shootings, threats, extortion, arson and drug trafficking.

The RCMP said it would continue working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in efforts to locate and arrest Brar.

The FBI has urged anyone with credible information about Singh's whereabouts to contact the bureau. Authorities have stressed that members of the public should not attempt to approach or confront him.

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An NRI entrepreneur has shared an estimate of how much a family of four may need to earn each year to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in 10 major US cities in 2026.

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A post shared by Aniruddha (@growwith_ani)

Aniruddha Anjana, a startup entrepreneur who spent around 10 years in the US before returning to India, shared the figures in an Instagram post. His calculation is based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which generally allocates 50% of income to essential expenses, 30% to discretionary spending and 20% to savings or investments.

Anjana said his figures were intended to show what it could take for an H-1B worker supporting a family to live comfortably, rather than simply manage basic expenses.

San Francisco tops the list

According to Anjana's estimate, San Francisco requires the highest annual income among the 10 cities listed. A family of four would need about $407,597 a year, or roughly Rs 3.89 crore, under his calculation.

The estimated income requirements for the cities are:

San Francisco: $407,597

San Jose: $402,771

Boston: $368,742

New York: $337,875

Seattle: $334,131

Washington DC: $319,405

Chicago: $242,278

Austin: $229,050

Dallas: $214,490

Houston: $204,672

The figures are based on Anjana's own budgeting method and are not official income requirements. Actual household expenses can differ significantly depending on rent, location, childcare, healthcare, taxes, schooling and personal spending habits.

Even Houston crosses the $200,000 mark

One of the notable points in the calculation is that even Houston, which is generally considered more affordable than several major US technology hubs, comes in at more than $200,000 a year.

Anjana said this is something Indians considering a move to the US should keep in mind, particularly those relocating with spouses and children on H-1B visas.

He argued that a salary that may seem very large when converted into Indian currency can feel much less impressive after accounting for the cost of living in the US.

Why a six-figure US salary may not feel as high

For immigrant families, housing is often one of the biggest expenses. Healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket costs can also add to the monthly budget. Families with young children may additionally have to account for childcare, while education and other household expenses can further increase the financial burden.

As a result, the amount an H-1B worker actually needs can vary widely from one family to another.

Entrepreneur shares his US experience

Anjana also spoke about his own experience in the US and the reasons behind his decision to return to India.

He said he eventually felt that his earnings did not adequately reflect the personal and financial trade-offs involved in living in the US. He later started a company there and eventually moved back to India to operate it.

According to Anjana, earning in US dollars while living in India provided him with more financial flexibility. He suggested that building an income source that is not directly linked to US living costs could be an alternative to simply pursuing a higher salary.

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His post has since drawn attention to the financial realities of life in the US for immigrant families. While American salaries can appear considerably higher than comparable Indian salaries, the difference becomes less straightforward once taxes and living expenses are taken into account.

For H-1B holders with families, there is no single salary figure that guarantees a comfortable lifestyle. The required income depends on the city, family size, housing choice, childcare needs, healthcare costs and individual lifestyle.

The attack took place at the Bitter Creek Rest Area along Interstate 80 as the driver, identified as Gurvinder Singh in reports, was travelling towards Pennsylvania.

According to reports citing NPR, Singh had stopped at the rest area on Sunday morning to use the restroom when another man followed him inside. Singh said the man suddenly attacked him with a knife.

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Also Read | 'Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive, Mr Singh': DHS ‘self-deport’ poster sparks outrage over ‘Singh’ reference 

Despite suffering multiple stab wounds, Singh managed to get out of the restroom. He collapsed outside and called for help.

Family helps injured truck driver

A Hispanic family at the rest area heard the commotion and went to Singh's aid. They helped tend to his injuries and contacted authorities.

The family also provided police with details about the suspect's vehicle. Investigators used the information to locate the truck near Rawlins, about 113 km from the rest area. The suspect, identified as Andrew Kris Bzdak, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. Authorities have not publicly established what led to the attack or identified a motive.

Gurvinder Singh has been working as a commercial truck driver for about three years. While recovering in hospital, he expressed concern about the safety of other Punjabi Sikh drivers who spend long periods travelling across the United States.

Attack follows controversial DHS 'Mr Singh' post

The Wyoming stabbing has also drawn attention because it happened only days after a controversial social media post by the US Department of Homeland Security.

The DHS post featured a movie-style graphic showing a Sikh-looking man identified as “Mr Singh” and included the message, “Get off our roads; you don't know how to drive, Mr Singh,” along with a call to “self-deport”. The post was later removed following widespread criticism.

DHS said the post was connected to its immigration-enforcement messaging concerning Indian truck driver Harjinder Singh, who has been accused in connection with a fatal Florida crash.

The timing of the Wyoming attack has prompted concern among Sikh and South Asian Americans. However, there is currently no confirmed evidence that the stabbing was connected to the DHS post, and authorities have not said that Singh was attacked because of his race, religion or immigration status.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemns attack

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the stabbing and expressed concern about hostility directed towards Sikh and South Asian communities.

In a statement issued on September 17, Krishnamoorthi said he was “horrified” by the attack and called for accountability for those responsible. He also thanked the family that helped Singh after he was injured.

Krishnamoorthi had earlier criticised the DHS “Mr Singh” post, arguing that using the surname in such messaging could contribute to negative stereotyping of Sikh and South Asian Americans.

The helicopter went down shortly before 7 pm local time near a storage facility in Chatsworth, in the San Fernando Valley. The aircraft caught fire after crashing between commercial buildings, damaging several vehicles and storage containers nearby.

The two persons aboard the helicopter were identified as aerial reporter and photographer Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw, both employees of Angel City Air. A third person on the ground also died in the crash. Another two persons were taken to hospital, although their conditions were not immediately released.

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The helicopter had been sent to the area to provide aerial coverage of an earlier accident involving a Los Angeles Metro bus and an SUV. That crash, which occurred on Nordhoff Street, had already left two persons dead and several others injured. Multiple news helicopters were covering the incident when the NBC aircraft went down nearby.

More than 70 firefighters responded to the helicopter crash and worked to put out the fire. Emergency crews treated several people at the scene before transporting some of them to hospital.

The cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been established. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mayor Karen Bass expressed grief over the deaths, while California Governor Gavin Newsom also offered condolences to the victims' families and those affected by the two incidents.

Singh, who lived in New Jersey and worked as an interstate truck driver, was arrested on September 11.

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ICE said in a post on X on Monday that Singh had legally entered the US in 2017 but later violated the conditions of his admission by staying in the country illegally for more than eight years.

“Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) Boston will continue to keep our New England highways, streets, and communities safe,” the agency said.

Singh’s arrest came a day after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed a controversial digital advertisement targeting undocumented truck drivers.

The AI-generated poster, designed in a Transformers-style format, showed a brown-bearded man with the message: “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive, Mr Singh.”

The campaign faced criticism from Indian-American and Sikh advocacy groups, which called it racist propaganda. Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, also criticised the advertisement.

ICE intensifies immigration crackdown

ICE has increased public arrests since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 as part of his administration’s mass deportation campaign.

The agency’s budget and enforcement operations have expanded, with thousands of people arrested in public places. Some of these operations have also led to confrontations with protesters.

ICE was created under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 following the September 11 attacks. The agency is responsible for enforcing US immigration laws and investigating immigration-related offences.

Its officers can detain and arrest people suspected of being in the US illegally. However, entering a private home generally requires a judicial warrant, subject to certain legal exceptions.

The poster, aimed at people living in the US without legal immigration status, carries the warning “Self-deport or find out” and uses a reference styled after the Transformers film franchise. What has drawn particular attention, however, is another line on the poster that reads: “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive, Mr Singh.”

The reference to the surname “Singh” has led to accusations that the campaign unfairly singles out South Asians, particularly members of the Sikh community.

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The Trump administration has also moved to tighten rules surrounding commercial driving licences (CDLs) and work authorisation, while authorities have increased enforcement against undocumented immigrants.

Community organisations, however, argue that using “Singh” in a message about driving effectively amounts to racial profiling.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned the poster, describing it as anti-India profiling. In a post on X, the organisation pointed out that Singh is a surname used by Hindus, Sikhs and Americans and criticised DHS for what it called a racist and un-American message.

HAF also urged the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to take notice of the controversy and called on Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Transformers franchise, to look into the use of the film-inspired messaging.

The poster also drew criticism from Fox 7 News anchor Alec Nolan, who spoke about his own family history while reacting to the campaign.

Nolan said his grandfather, Dan Singh, was the son of Katha Singh, who had travelled from India to the US decades ago in search of a better life. According to Nolan, his family eventually settled in California, where his great-grandfather worked as a farmer, while his grandfather later worked as a truck driver.

Nolan described the DHS poster as racist and said it was insulting to people who carry the Singh surname.

The controversy comes as the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement campaign and encourages undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily. While the administration says its self-deportation messaging is intended to enforce immigration laws, opponents argue that the language used in some campaign material risks stereotyping entire ethnic and immigrant communities.

The warning comes as demand for EB-1 visas among Indian applicants continues to remain high. The US fiscal year ends on September 30.

The EB-1 category is meant for priority workers, including people with extraordinary abilities, leading academics and researchers, as well as certain multinational company executives and managers.

US issues warning over EB-1 visa numbers

The US State Department issued the warning in its September Visa Bulletin. It said the number of EB-1 visas being used by applicants chargeable to India could reach the country's annual limit in the coming weeks.

If that happens, the EB-1 category for Indian applicants could be made unavailable for the rest of the fiscal year.

The department said it would continue to monitor the situation and make changes if necessary.

The development is important for Indian green card applicants because they are already dealing with long waiting periods in several employment-based categories.

EB-1 India cutoff date

For September, the final action date for Indian applicants in the EB-1 category is October 15, 2022.

In simple terms, an applicant generally needs a priority date before the listed cutoff date for a visa number to be available for final processing, provided all other requirements are met.

EB-2 India category unavailable

The situation is even more difficult in the EB-2 category, which covers professionals with advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability.

For September, the EB-2 category for India has been marked "U," or unavailable.

According to the State Department, this means visa numbers cannot be issued in that category during the month.

Long wait continues in EB-3

Indian applicants are also facing a major backlog in the EB-3 category, which covers skilled workers, professionals and certain other workers.

The EB-3 waiting line for Indians remains more than a decade long, showing the extent of the immigration backlog faced by applicants from the country.

The EB-5 investor programme is also facing restrictions. India's unreserved EB-5 category is unavailable for final action in September.

However, certain EB-5 set-aside categories remain available for applicants from all countries. These include visas reserved for rural areas, high-unemployment areas and qualifying infrastructure projects.

Filing dates give applicants some relief

The dates-for-filing chart provides slightly more flexibility than the final action dates.

For September, the filing date for Indian applicants is December 1, 2023, for EB-1 and January 15, 2015, for EB-2 and EB-3.

However, applicants already in the US and planning to file for adjustment of status should first check which Visa Bulletin chart the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has authorised for that month.

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Why Indian applicants face long delays

The continuing backlog is largely linked to the high number of employment-based green card applicants from India, combined with annual limits on employment-based immigrant visas.

With demand remaining strong, Indian professionals could continue to face uncertainty over when their green card applications will move forward.

The latest EB-1 warning adds to those concerns, particularly for applicants who have already spent years waiting for permanent residency in the US.

The Trump administration is considering removing H-4 dependent spouses from the list of people eligible for employment permits. If approved, the change could affect many Indian families because Indians make up a large majority of H-4 work permit holders.

The DHS notice states, "DHS is proposing to remove from its regulations certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B non-immigrant workers as a class of aliens eligible to request employment authorisation under the (c)(26) category."

The DHS proposal states, "This proposal would reverse the changes made in the 2015 final rule, 'Employment Authorisation for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses,' and restore DHS's long-standing policy of not extending eligibility to request employment authorisation to H-4 dependent spouses."

Data from 2014 to 2017 shows that about 93% of approved H-4 Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) were issued to Indian nationals. Around 94% of these recipients were women.

The proposal, listed on the US government's Reginfo.gov website, is titled “Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses From the Classes of Noncitizens Eligible for Employment Authorisation.” It has been included in the Department of Homeland Security's long-term regulatory plans, but no release date has been announced.

However, the proposal does not immediately end H-4 work permits. The DHS would first have to publish a formal proposal in the Federal Register, allow the public to submit comments and then issue a final rule.

Until that process is completed, H-4 spouses with valid EADs can continue working under the existing rules.

Who Can Currently Get an H-4 Work Permit?

The H-4 EAD programme was introduced in 2015 for certain spouses of H-1B visa holders who had reached specific stages in the employment-based green card process.

Eligible applicants include spouses of H-1B workers with an approved Form I-140, as well as certain H-1B workers whose visa status has been extended beyond the usual six-year limit while they wait for their green cards.

If the proposed change becomes a final rule, many H-4 spouses could lose an important source of income and professional independence in the US.

Gurmeet Singh, 55, a taxi driver, reportedly kidnapped and raped a female passenger at knifepoint in New York in 2011. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of the violent assault in 2014, according to the US Justice Department. 

In a statement, the US agency said Singh had concealed his criminal past while applying for US citizenship, which he obtained months after the attack.

In a statement issued by the US Department of Justice on August 31, 2026, Attorney General Todd Blanche said: “American citizenship is not a shield for criminals.”

“Gurmeet Singh, a convicted rapist from India, is no longer a US citizen. He concealed a rape and kidnapping during the naturalization process, and a federal court has now revoked his citizenship. This Department took this case across the finish line, and we will continue to move expeditiously on denaturalization referrals. Fraudulently obtained citizenship will not protect criminals from justice,” the statement said.

Case against Singh

Singh, who is originally from India, entered the US in February 1992 on a temporary visitor visa. Although he was supposed to stay for no more than six months, he remained in the country without legal permission for several years. In June 2000, he obtained permanent residency through a family-based immigration petition, according to the US Justice Department.

In May 2011, shortly before applying for US citizenship, Singh was working as a taxi driver. During a ride, a female passenger fell asleep. When she woke up, she allegedly found Singh on top of her with a knife held to her throat.

According to US authorities, Singh threatened the woman, tied her up, gagged and blindfolded her, removed her clothes and sexually assaulted her. The woman later managed to escape from the taxi and ran into the street at dawn to seek help.

Singh allegedly hid the crime during his citizenship application process and became a US citizen in October 2011.

He was later convicted in New York of first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping as a sexually motivated felony. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launched a global training initiative at all US embassies and consulates worldwide and that appointments for visa services will be adjusted to accommodate training. 

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The suspension of visa appointments became known after applicants with already scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates received emails informing them that their appointments had been postponed. They were told that new appointment dates would be shared later.

H-1B visa fee controversy

The decision came a day after the Trump administration proposed a new H-1B visa application fee of $103,265. The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ skilled workers from other countries.

The Department of Homeland Security made the proposal after President Donald Trump had announced plans last year to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. However, a court stopped that order in June this year.

Trump's crackdown on immigrants

Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump and his administration have taken several strict measures against immigrants in the US.

These include cancelling visas and green cards and rejecting immigration applications. Such actions were also reported during pro-Palestinian protests at US colleges and universities over Israel's war in Gaza.

The administration has also ordered large-scale deportations and increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Sai Pradeep had recently completed his master’s degree in computer science from Anderson University’s College of Business in South Carolina. According to his family, the difficulty in finding a job after completing his studies had left him under considerable stress.

Pradeep moved to the US in 2024

Pradeep travelled to the United States in 2024 to pursue higher education. After completing his master’s degree, he began searching for a job but reportedly faced difficulties in securing employment.

He allegedly died by suicide in San Antonio on August 21.

His cousin Deepthi has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help bring his body back to Dammaiguda in Hyderabad and meet the expenses related to his funeral.

The fundraising appeal said Pradeep had recently completed his master’s degree and was looking for work in the US.

Family remembers him as a curious and determined person

Pradeep, who was affectionately known as ‘Deepu’ among his family and friends, was remembered as someone who was eager to learn and take on new challenges.

According to the fundraising page, he learned Spanish after moving to the US. His family said his ability to pick up the language quickly reflected his curiosity and willingness to learn.

The family also remembered him for his focus on fitness and a disciplined lifestyle. His dedication to exercise and health reportedly inspired people around him.

“Deepu” was described as a kind, strong and positive person who worked hard to achieve his goals.

(Suicide is a serious mental health issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Reach out to trusted family or friends, or contact the Government of India’s Jeevan Aastha helpline at 1800 233 3330 for support. You are not alone, and help is available.)

Family seeks support to bring body home

Pradeep’s sudden death has left his parents and other family members facing a difficult loss. The GoFundMe campaign is seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of repatriating his body to Hyderabad and arranging the funeral. The family has also requested prayers and support for his parents during this difficult period.

As of Tuesday, the fundraising campaign had received more than $29,057.

Deepthi said any amount remaining after the repatriation and funeral costs would be used to support Pradeep’s parents.


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The deceased has been identified as Gurdeep Singh, who had moved to the United States more than a decade ago in search of better opportunities.

According to people familiar with the family, Gurdeep was on his way to make a pizza delivery when armed men allegedly opened fire on him on Richmond Street in New York City. He suffered fatal injuries in the shooting.

Gurdeep's acquaintances said his father had reportedly borrowed money to send him to the US. He faced several difficulties during his early years in the country but continued working hard to support his family back home.

According to the family, Gurdeep had been working long hours in an effort to improve their financial situation.

He was unmarried and belonged to a family involved in the DJ business.

Following his death, Gurdeep's family has appealed to the Punjab and Central governments to help bring his mortal remains back to India.

The family has also urged the authorities to coordinate with the US administration and ensure that those responsible for the shooting are identified and face strict legal action.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the attackers are expected to be established as the investigation progresses.

According to an FBI release, Major Singh is wanted for his alleged involvement in an international organised crime group and a series of federal offences linked to racketeering, illegal firearms trafficking and controlled substances.

Major Singh faces multiple federal charges

US authorities are seeking Major Singh over allegations that he was involved in a conspiracy to participate in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) enterprise.

He is also accused of conspiring to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a licence, conspiring to distribute controlled substances and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.

The Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group originated in Punjab, India, and has allegedly operated in the Central District of California and other locations.

A federal arrest warrant for Singh was issued on June 25, 2026, by the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

FBI steps up search for Indian gang network members

Major Singh is the latest Indian national linked to organised crime networks to be featured by US authorities.

Earlier, the FBI released a photograph of Amritpal Singh, 30, who had died in February 2025, along with the photograph of another Indian national from Punjab identified as Gurpreet Singh.

The FBI's action comes as US and Canadian authorities continue to target international criminal networks allegedly operating across several countries.

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Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria named in Operation Hardball

In June, jailed Punjabi gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria were among 37 individuals charged as part of a major US-led crackdown on international organised crime networks.

The operation, known as Operation Hardball, targeted criminal groups allegedly involved in violent and organised criminal activities across multiple countries.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and FBI also worked together under Operation Hardball to target the Ravinder Dhanda, Bishnoi and Bhagwanpuria networks.

Authorities said the operation disrupted the leadership structure of the groups from June 23 and led to several arrests.

Investigators reportedly seized around 1,000 kg of cocaine, one kg of heroin, firearms and cash during the operation. Several suspects are still believed to be at large.

According to the allegations, the networks operated across India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Investigators have linked the groups to alleged offences, including contract killings, extortion, racketeering, drug trafficking, firearms-related crimes and kidnapping.

The deceased has been identified as Vikram Mubayi, a doctoral student in the university's Department of Chemical Engineering. His body was recovered from Inyo National Forest following a multi-agency search operation, according to the student publication Daily Nexus.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death, and officials said there is currently no indication of foul play. The investigation is ongoing.

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According to officials, Mubayi last spoke with his family at around 8.30 pm on August 1, when he shared his GPS location while hiking alone. When he failed to return as planned and stopped communicating with his family, they alerted authorities. Search teams from Inyo County Search and Rescue and the California Highway Patrol launched an operation and found his body on the evening of August 3.

Who was Vikram Mubayi?

Vikram Mubayi was born and raised in Hong Kong and was pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His family described him on Reddit as a "fairly experienced hiker."

In a biography published on the website of student-led non-profit Illini 4000, Mubayi wrote that he had loved outdoor activities since childhood.

He credited his mother for introducing him to hiking and tennis at a young age and also described himself as an experienced cyclist with a passion for sports and nature.

Research focused on sustainable alternatives

Before joining UCSB, Mubayi earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2022. During his undergraduate years, he worked as a research assistant at the Burke Laboratory and also served as a teaching assistant.

At UCSB, his research focused on bacteria and biological techniques to break down plant waste and plastics in an effort to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Seattle Mayor's Office said the police had taken one suspect into custody. However, authorities also said another suspected shooter remained at large. The police believe the incident may have started after two persons opened fire at each other. Investigators have recovered two guns from the area.

The Seattle Police Department urged people to stay away from Seattle Centre as officers worked to secure the area and investigate the shooting.

????BREAKING: New video shows the moment when people fleeing the Seattle Center in Washington state.

Reports of multiple gunshot victims in the area.

Livestream: Hawaiian Honey Cones. pic.twitter.com/8evoOeIQYK

— Lucas Sanders ???????????????????? (@LucasSa56947288) July 27, 2026

#Seattle, Jul 28, 2026 6:00 PM. Shooting at Seattle Center. SPD reports at this time 6 gun shot victims. One might be a child. Has turned into an MCI response: mass casualty incident. SPD initial report of suspect is Arabic male.

— Seattle Info (@seattleinfo) July 27, 2026

Gunfire sparks panic at crowded festival

The shooting was reported at around 6 pm local time while the annual Bite of Seattle festival was underway. The event had attracted large crowds, with hundreds of food vendors and live music performances taking place at the venue.

The injured victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, according to local reports.

Videos shared on social media showed the moment gunshots were heard at the crowded festival. People could be seen running as panic spread through the venue.

Witnesses told local media that they heard several gunshots and saw people rushing in different directions.

One eyewitness, Estan Wakonabo, 25, described the scene as chaotic. He said people began running and trampling over one another after the shooting started.

Wakonabo later returned to the area and said he saw several people who appeared to have been shot. He also reported seeing one victim covered with a yellow sheet.

Thousands attend Bite of Seattle festival

The Bite of Seattle is an annual food and entertainment festival that began in 1982. The event brings together restaurants, food vendors, musicians and visitors for several days of activities. According to the festival's website, the event attracts around 3,50,000 people over three days.

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting, including what led to the gunfire and whether the people involved knew each other.

The deceased have been identified as Hiteshbhai Suthar, his wife Hinaben Suthar, and their 20-year-old daughter Ishani Suthar. The family hailed from Nadiad in Gujarat's Kheda district and had moved to the United States nearly two years ago in search of better opportunities.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at the Econo Lodge motel, where Hiteshbhai was employed. The family was residing on the premises when the fire reportedly broke out at around 1.30 am.

According to preliminary information, the family was inside their room when the blaze began. As smoke and flames spread through the building, they reportedly contacted the motel's front desk for assistance. They were advised to stay inside the bathroom, turn on the water supply and wait for emergency responders.

Following the instructions, the family locked themselves inside the bathroom in an attempt to protect themselves from the fire and heavy smoke. However, despite rescue efforts, the blaze took time to be brought under control. Officials believe all three family members died due to suspected smoke inhalation before they could be rescued.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Local authorities have launched an investigation to establish how the blaze started and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has left the family's relatives and friends in Gujarat in deep shock, with many mourning the sudden loss of three members of the same household.

Speaking about bilateral trade relations, Trump claimed that India had historically imposed high tariffs on American goods, allowing it to benefit disproportionately from trade with the United States. He asserted that the situation has shifted and that the US is now generating significant gains from its economic engagement with India.

Trump also expressed optimism about the future of trade ties between the two countries, suggesting that a substantial agreement could be finalised in the near future. Emphasising his relationship with the Indian Prime Minister, Trump described Modi as a close friend and said the two leaders share a strong understanding and positive working relationship.

His remarks come as trade discussions between New Delhi and Washington continue to gather momentum. A US delegation recently held multiple rounds of talks with Indian government officials in the Indian capital as both sides work toward an interim trade arrangement aimed at resolving several long-standing commercial issues.

India’s Ministry of Commerce has described the negotiations as constructive, stating that both countries are seeking a mutually beneficial framework that supports economic interests on both sides. Officials have indicated that efforts are ongoing to advance the proposed agreement and address key areas of concern.

However, the talks face fresh challenges following a US proposal to impose additional import duties on countries that, according to Washington, have not taken adequate measures to curb practices linked to forced labour. India has been included in the proposed list of affected nations.

If implemented, the measure could result in an additional 12.5% tariff on certain Indian exports entering the US market, potentially affecting the competitiveness of Indian goods and creating added pressure for exporters.

The Indian government has noted that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed tariff. US authorities are expected to seek feedback from stakeholders and the public before taking a final call on the matter.

India and the United States had earlier reached a broad understanding on an interim trade pact in February 2026, intended to address several unresolved trade concerns. However, uncertainty emerged after the US Supreme Court reportedly ruled against certain tariff measures introduced by Trump, raising questions over the future applicability of some trade restrictions.

As a result, the interim agreement has yet to be finalised, although negotiations between the two sides remain active.

Avtar Singh was reported missing on February 17 around 8:52 pm in Tracy, California. According to officials, surveillance cameras later showed a white SUV and three persons wearing dark clothes with Singh at about 2:30 pm the same day. Police believe he was forced to get into the vehicle.

On February 20 at around 3:20 pm, a body matching Singh’s description was discovered near Lake Berryessa by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that the body was that of Avtar Singh.

Investigators are continuing to examine the case and are trying to identify the people responsible. Officials have said that, based on current information, the incident appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told local news outlet KCRA that Singh was not the person the kidnappers had planned to target. According to him, the suspects were after someone else for a specific reason, but that detail has not yet been made public. He added that investigators cannot share more information about the suspects or their possible motive at this stage.

Singh was a volunteer at a local gurdwara, where he also lived with his wife and three young triplets. Members of the community described him as sincere and hardworking. For over two decades, he served as the head cook at the gurdwara and was known for helping with many other tasks as well.