Sikh driver Jashanpreet Singh, the 21-year-old driver, accused of the crash that killed three people in California, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him — as a major controversy broke out over Indian truck drivers endangering lives in America. Singh pleaded not guilty to three counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one count of driving under the influence of a drug. He was appointed a public defender and remained in jail without bail. His next court appearance has been scheduled for November 4, when he will require a Punjabi interpreter. The requirement of a Punjabi interpreter proved that Singh does not know enough English, yet got a driving license for which English knowledge is mandatory.
Entered the US illegally but has work authorization, REAL ID
The Department of Homeland Security said Jashanpreet entered the US illegally from India in 2022 during the Biden administration. He has Employment Authorization Documents valid up to 2030 and a commercial driver’s license to operate a semitruck. Singh’s license is a federal REAL ID, which he was entitled to receive as the federal government gave him a legal status. While California blamed the Trump administration for extending Singh’s work authorization, the Trump administration claimed that California violated federal law by allowing Singh to continue driving when he should have been disqualified.
K restriction
In June this year, California issued Singh — who is an asylum seeker — a restricted, non-domiciled CDL with a “K” restriction, limiting driving to in-state. K restriction is meant for those below 21 years. In September, the federal government paused all issuances of non-domiciled CDLs. In October, Singh turned 21, and his “K” restriction was removed. DOT officials say, if California had followed the new rule, Singh’s license would have been denied because of his status as an asylum seeker.
Driving under the influence
While Singh pleaded not guilty, his family in India claimed that he is a baptized Sikh and never does drugs. But the toxicology report claimed that he was driving under the influence and could not press the brak,e causing the mishap.
