NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
San Joaquin County, CA, July 13, 2025: Eight Indian-origin men were arrested on Friday in San Joaquin County, California, in connection with a gang-related kidnapping and torture case, authorities said.
The arrests were part of a joint operation by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and SWAT teams. Officials said the case involves serious charges, including kidnapping, torture, gang conspiracy, and illegal possession of weapons.
One of the men arrested, Pavittar Singh Batala, is reportedly wanted in India for terrorism-related activities. He is believed to have ties to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned extremist group. Indian authorities had earlier issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him.
The suspects face multiple felony charges. According to reports, law enforcement officers searched several homes and seized a large number of weapons. These included a machine gun, an assault rifle, handguns, high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of bullets. They also found more than $15,000 in cash.
This operation was part of the FBI’s “Summer Heat” initiative, which targets violent gangs and organized crime during the summer months.
All eight suspects are currently being held at the San Joaquin County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests or charges.
Officials said this case highlights growing concerns about gang activity in the region and the need for close cooperation between local and federal law enforcement.
No details were released about the victim or the motive behind the kidnapping and torture.
The names of the arrested individuals include Pavittar Singh Batala, Dilpreet Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Vishal, Gurtaj Singh, Manpreet Randhawa, and Sarabjit Singh.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal press statement but confirmed the arrests and the charges.
🚨Eight Arrested in Gang-Related Kidnapping Case🚨
— San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (@SJSheriff) July 12, 2025
On July 11, 2025, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office AGNET Unit—alongside the Stockton Police Department SWAT Team, Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, and the FBI SWAT… pic.twitter.com/YNHF4XfLBe
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