"The players were very afraid; if they got a call, they didn't want to go against gangsters. They were unwilling to play because they didn't want to compromise their own safety and their family's security."
"The method is straightforward: a gang member calls a victim and demands money. If they refuse, a criminal network threatens or carries out attacks against their relatives, families, or businesses - whether in the United States or back in India."
Harsimran Singh faced significant challenges organizing a Kabaddi tournament due to athletes dropping out amid threats from gangsters. These threats originated from incarcerated individuals in India, pressuring players to withdraw for their safety. This intimidation is part of a broader pattern of violence and extortion targeting the Sikh community in California, where over 250,000 Sikhs reside. Criminal networks exploit the community's wealth and connections to India, threatening families and businesses if demands for money are not met.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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