AI Generated Summary
- The arrest of a Khalistan extremist who also served on the management committee of a Sikh gurdwara in Stockton, California, has triggered widespread controversy, exposing tensions between political mobilisation, religious authority, and accountability within sections of the Sikh diaspora.
- Law-enforcement sources say the alleged incident occurred outside a high school in the Stockton area and involved a victim under the age of 18.
- Singh is known locally not only for his role within a gurdwara committee but also for his outspoken advocacy of the Khalistan extremist movement.
The arrest of a Khalistan extremist who also served on the management committee of a Sikh gurdwara in Stockton, California, has triggered widespread controversy, exposing tensions between political mobilisation, religious authority, and accountability within sections of the Sikh diaspora.
The accused, Jaspal Singh, was taken into custody on 9 December 2025, according to official jail records. He faces multiple felony charges under California law, including serious sexual-offence allegations involving a minor. One of the charges carries bail set at $840,000, while several others are listed as bail-inclusive. He remains in custody with his release date marked as pending.
Law-enforcement sources say the alleged incident occurred outside a high school in the Stockton area and involved a victim under the age of 18. Authorities have declined to comment further while the investigation remains ongoing.
Singh is known locally not only for his role within a gurdwara committee but also for his outspoken advocacy of the Khalistan extremist movement. That political profile has become central to the public reaction following his arrest.
The case has intensified scrutiny of how gurdwaras and community organisations are sometimes drawn into activism, particularly around the Khalistan issue. Conflating religious leadership with political loyalty can undermine accountability and silence victims.
