A 21-year-old truck driver of Indian origin, Jashanpreet Singh, who faces charges in a fatal eight-vehicle pileup that left three people dead in Southern California, appeared in court this week without his turban, a moment that has triggered deep anger and concern within the Sikh community.
Singh, who is a practicing Sikh, was seen bareheaded during his court appearance, an image that quickly spread across social media and drew sharp criticism from Sikh advocacy groups. Many community leaders called it a violation of his religious rights, noting that a turban is a sacred article of faith and not simply a cultural accessory.
A petition, named “Demand justice for Jashanpreet and return his turban,” has been launched calling for authorities to return Singh’s turban and to respect his religious identity while he remains in custody. The Change.org petition, directed at local law enforcement officials and media outlets, denounces what it describes as the unfair treatment and misrepresentation of Singh.
The petition, started by Manpreet Singh, claims that Jashanpreet Singh has been unfairly portrayed by some media outlets, which made unsubstantiated references to drug use that damaged his reputation. Community members describe Jashanpreet Singh as a hardworking young man devoted to his family and faith, and insist that the narrative surrounding his case has been deeply misleading. They say his arrest and ongoing legal struggle have caused immense distress not only to his loved ones but also to those who view him as a reflection of the community’s values and resilience.
“In this climate of misinformation and prejudice, Jashanpreet has also been stripped of his turban—a deeply significant symbol of his faith and identity. This act is not only an infringement on his personal beliefs but an assault on our entire community’s cultural and religious values,” the petition added. So far, the petition has managed to collect 50 verified signatures.
Political leaders in India have also weighed in, saying the incident has deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments. Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the treatment of Jashanpreet Singh in a social media platform. “The distressing images of Jashanpreet being produced in court bareheaded, which is a violation of his Sikh identity, heightens our concern. Let justice prevail with mercy,” he wrote on X.
Badal said Singh’s family had informed him that the toxicology findings contained serious inaccuracies and should be re-examined by investigators. He called on U.S. authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial review of the case to ensure justice is served. Badal also appealed to India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, urging the government to intervene and safeguard Singh’s rights.
During his court appearance last week, Jashanpreet Singh entered a not guilty plea to charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. The charges stem from an Oct. 21 crash near Ontario, California, that involved eight vehicles, leaving three people dead and four others injured. Prosecutors allege Singh was impaired at the time of the collision, while his defense maintains that details surrounding the incident and his condition are still under review.
According to court filings, Singh, who lives in Yuba City, California, is believed to have entered the United States without legal authorization in 2022. However, records indicate he currently possesses Employment Authorization Documents valid through 2030 and holds a commercial driver’s license. Singh is being held without bail and is expected to return to court on Nov. 4, where proceedings will include the assistance of a Punjabi-language interpreter to ensure full understanding of the legal process.
The petition also criticized several media outlets for circulating unverified claims about Singh’s alleged drug use, arguing that such sensational reporting has unfairly damaged his reputation. It said the coverage has overlooked the fundamental legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
This is not the first time the Punjabi diaspora and Indian political leaders have stepped in to support a community member facing legal trouble abroad. In an earlier case, Indian truck driver Harjinder Singh faced the possibility of a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for allegedly causing a fatal crash. His situation prompted widespread mobilization, including a petition started by Manisha Kaushal under the banner of “Collective Punjabi Youth.” By Aug. 25, the petition had gathered nearly 2.5 million signatures, reflecting the community’s strong sense of solidarity and concern for fair treatment.