Petition for Indian Trucker Facing 45-Year Sentence Surges to 2.2M

A petition supporting Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old truck driver of Indian origin, has attracted over 2.2 million signatures on Change.org. He faces a potential sentence of up to 45 years in prison for his alleged involvement in a fatal crash in Florida. The case has ignited international debate and emotional appeals from his family in Punjab, India.

The incident occurred on August 12, 2023, when Singh was arrested after allegedly making an illegal U-turn with his tractor-trailer on Florida’s Turnpike. This maneuver reportedly led to a collision with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Singh briefly fled the scene before being apprehended in California and subsequently extradited to Florida. He now faces three counts of vehicular homicide, which carry potentially severe penalties. According to reports, Singh reportedly entered the United States illegally in 2018 and had been working as a commercial driver prior to the crash.

Since his arrest, the petition has garnered significant public support, urging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to consider leniency if Singh is convicted. The petition states, “This was a tragic accident — not a deliberate act. While accountability matters, the severity of the charges against him does not align with the circumstances of the incident.” Supporters contend that while Singh’s actions may be viewed as negligent, they argue that the charges are disproportionate to the nature of the incident. This growing momentum highlights escalating concerns regarding the treatment of migrant workers, especially those without legal status, within the U.S. criminal justice system.

In Singh’s hometown of Tarn Taran, Punjab, his family has made heartfelt appeals for compassion. Dilbagh Singh, a relative, expressed grief over the loss of life but emphasized the need for leniency in Singh’s case. “We are also saddened over the death of three persons in the accident. Similar incidents have happened before as well,” he stated. He further pointed out that Singh, at just 28 years old, faces a daunting prospect if sentenced to 45 years. “You can imagine what will be the condition of his family,” he added.

Singh’s family has shared that he moved to the U.S. in 2018 after mortgaging part of their farmland to fund his journey. His elder brother and mother remain in Tarn Taran, working in agriculture. Dilbagh Singh has also called upon Sikh organizations and community leaders to rally support for Harjinder in his ongoing legal battle.

As the case continues to unfold, the emotional and legal ramifications are likely to resonate beyond the courtroom, sparking further discussions on the complexities surrounding immigration and justice in the United States.