Officials discussed a collaborative effort leading to the arrests of eight individuals in connection with a gang-related kidnapping and torture case at a news conference Friday.
Sheriff Patrick Withrow, FBI Special Agent Sid Patel and District Attorney Ron Freitas each spoke at the conference.
On June 19, in Manteca, a “horrendous crime” occurred, Withrow said. An anonymous victim told the department that he had been kidnapped, stripped naked, bound and tortured for an extended time. This was done in an alleged attempt to get the names of people within other gangs/groups.
About three weeks later, suspects were identified and arrested after an investigation. The arrest involved the Stockton Police Department, the Manteca Police Department, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the FBI SWAT team, according to Withrow.
The individuals were booked into San Joaquin County Jail under felony charges including kidnapping, torture, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit a crime, dissuading a witness, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, threats to terrorize and gang enhancements, Withrow said. Some suspects also face weapon-related charges.
Withrow said officers found five handguns, an assault rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, multiple high-capacity magazines and over $15,000 in cash while executing a search warrant.
Six of eight suspects with felony charges were arraigned last Thursday. They are set to appear again next Thursday.
Manpreet Sing Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh, Amritpal Singh, Pavittar Preet Singh and Vishal were arraigned and all face felony charges. They are set to appear in court again next Thursday.
“Based upon these charges, they are facing life in prison,” District Attorney Freitas said. “They were arraigned (Thursday). Upon our request, bail was set by the Honorable Allan Jose at no bail.”
A second complaint was filed against Pavittar Preet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Vishal, Dilpreet Singh and Arshpreet Singh for weapon violations. They will also appear next Thursday.
Officials spoke with the faces and names of the eight suspects displayed on the screen behind him. Amongst the photos was the face of Pavittar Preet Singh.
Withrow said Singh is believed to be the leader of an Indian gang called “Pavittar Majha Group” or PMG. He said the group is part of an international crime organization.
“They’re (PMG) out of the Indian area. Because there are so many international ties, we are blessed to be partnered with our FBI partners out of Sacramento, and locally,” Withrow said. “Without them, this could not have come about.”
Patel of the FBI said Singh is wanted in India for charges including firearms violations, assault, and multiple murders abroad. Patel said the FBI is working with partners in India and Canada to arrest individuals involved in similar activity.
“Let’s not be naive,” Withrow said. “This is not just the only group.”
Those aware of criminal activity can call the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, report concerns to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or go to tips.fbi.gov.
“We need the Indian community and other members of our community to reach out and give us information,” Withrow said.”So please call us. Let us know what you know.”
