Corporal Rohil Singh, a 33-year-old Indian-origin police officer working in the US state of California was shot dead while he was working overtime on Christmas by an “armed” unidentified gunman. The incident reportedly took place while he was conducting a traffic stop on December 26, reported NDTV.

Singh of the Newman Police Department was called off on a traffic stop at Newman and “A few moments later he called out ‘shots fired’ over the radio,” said the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, which is now leading the investigation.  The Department added that multiple agencies responded to assist and Singh was found at the scene with a gunshot wound. He was later taken to a local hospital where he where he was pronounced dead.

Suspects

Before the police arrived at the scene, the suspect had already fled, said the Department. Although, police has recovered the suspect’s vehicle with which they are leading the investigation. They have realised and circulated surveillance photographs of the suspect for anyone to identify the suspect and inform the police. Reportedly, the police have not yet arrested anyone.

The suspect was described as Hispanic by The California Highway Patrol (CHP). “He is considered dangerous and may be in possession of a firearm,” the Quint quoted the CHP as saying. 

Singh Was Living An American Dream

Singh was not only the veteran at the Newman Police Department and was assigned as a canine officer, but he had also served with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Newman Police Department. He had been working with the Newman Police Department since 2011. 

Reportedly, Ronil Singh is survived by his wife, Anamika, and a five-month-old son. Ronil’s sudden death has devasted his family, said the Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson. Reportedly, Singh was a native of Fiji and had immigrated to America. The report also quoted Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Deputy Raj Singh as saying that he knew the assassinated officer.
“He immigrated here from the Fiji Islands, just like my parents did, and was enjoying the American Dream,” the Quint quoted Deputy Raj Singh as saying. 

Police departments across the country had sent a message of condolence and tribute for Ronil Singh. California Governor Edmund Brown has extended his condolence to Ronil’s family and colleagues as well. Governor Brown said that their hearts are with the entire community of Newman as well as the police officers who risk their lives on a daily basis, reported NDTV. The governor also said the in the honour of Singh Capitol flags in California will be flown at half-staff.

Police department saddened by the news

New York Police Department (NYPD) expressed sadness by tweeting, “Singh was shot & killed while conducting a traffic stop shortly after Christmas day. We mourn the loss of this hero and send our condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues.”

Meanwhile, the Indian Officers’ Society at the NYPD also tweeted:

It is with sadness and heavy hearts we inform you of the passing of Officer Ronil Singh of the Newman Police Department(CA). Officer Ronil Singh was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop early this morning. Officer Singh has served his community since 2011. pic.twitter.com/1Ajhgnk5QE

— I.O.S. (@IOSNYPD) December 26, 2018

The Logical Indian take

In the last two years, crimes against Indians in the US has seen a tremendous rise. Law enforcement agencies across the nation have reported 251 hate crime incidents with 321 victims, against American Indians in 2017. According to a report on hate crime released by the FBI on November 13, 1,094 hate crimes were reported from California itself.

The report also reveals that 11 hate crimes were committed against Hindus in 2017. The FBI report said that the hate crime rose up to 17% under Trump’s first year in office. 

Also Read: Pramila Jayapal Becomes The First Indian-American Woman To Be Elected To The U.S. House