The family of Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old truck driver of Indian origin, is in shock and disbelief after he was involved in a fatal crash in California. The accident, involving eight vehicles, resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to four others. Singh is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

According to reports, the California Highway Patrol stated that Singh's semi-truck was speeding and never braked before crashing into slow-moving traffic on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County. Toxicology tests confirmed that Singh was under the influence of a substance at the time of the crash.

Back in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, Singh's family vehemently denies the allegations that he was intoxicated. His father, Ravinder Singh, a school bus driver, asserted that his son never consumed drugs or any intoxicant, stating, "My son was not into drugs. My son is an 'Amritdhari Sikh'. The allegations of drugs against him are completely wrong". An 'Amritdhari Sikh' refers to a baptized Sikh.

Jashanpreet's maternal uncle, Gurbaksh Singh, echoed this sentiment, stating that his nephew was a disciplined and God-fearing individual who never took drugs or alcohol. He believes the incident was an unfortunate accident, not an act of negligence. The family is praying for the victims and appealing for mercy for Jashanpreet. His mother, Jasveer Kaur, pleaded for her son's release, saying, "Please help our boy. He went abroad only to build our future, not harm anyone".

The family revealed they took loans of nearly Rs 40 lakh to send Jashanpreet to the US via the "dunki route" (illegal means). He aimed to work hard, repay the debt, and start a small business.

News of Jashanpreet's arrest has prompted villagers to gather at his residence to show solidarity with the family. Farmer leader and social activist Ranjit Singh urged the Centre and Punjab government to intervene with US authorities to ensure fair treatment for Jashanpreet, emphasizing his hardworking nature and lack of criminal history. The parents have also appealed to Akal Takht for leniency.

Meanwhile, the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has expressed anguish and outrage over the accident, calling Jashanpreet's actions reckless.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that Jashanpreet was not in lawful immigration status, having entered the US illegally in 2022 and was released pending an immigration hearing. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer following his arrest.