Bollywood singer Arijit Singh’s US concert landed in him in controversy, after it was discovered that the organising company is run by a man who is one of the most wanted criminals in India. The accused, identified as Jai Singh, has been absconding for the past 30 years and has been listed as ‘wanted’ by the Chandigarh police, due to charges like video piracy and drug smuggling.
Jai, a resident of Punjab, had gone to the US and settled in Fermont city in California 30 years ago. He was associated with the gurudwara in the city and was residing there.
Jai, who was a part of the banned Khalistan group in Punjab, started providing logistical support to Khalistanis hailing from the Fermont gurudwara.
Jai was associated with Khalistan movement in Punjab in the 80s, and but later fled to the US. He also formed a group in Fermont which supported the Khalistan movement in India. During his time being an active participant in the Khalistan movement, he was nicknamed ‘Fauji’.
Piracy Charges
Along with leading a pro-Khalistan group, Jai started a DVD store of his own, which was a front for piracy activities, where he would mainly sell pirated copies of Bollywood movies from India.
In 2003, the authorities’ attention was brought to the illegal activities he was indulging in and the Fermont police arrested him. He was produced in the Oakland court and was expected to be deported back to India.
According to the Fermont police, Jai filed for an asylum at the same time and sought permission to stay in US, saying he feared for his life if he was sent back to India.
Meanwhile the gurudwara also filed a civil suit against Jai, for monetary fraud which he had done conducted during his time staying there. That suit is still pending.
Concert Could Give India a ‘Bad Name’
Jai owns a production company called ‘Bright Brain Productions’ that organises Bollywood events in the US. His latest endeavour was the Arijit Singh concert.
BJP NRI cell president Mack Ajani told The Quint how he had earlier raised the matter of the Arijit Singh Concert controversy with both Indian and US authorities, saying how Jai being an organiser of the concert showed India in a poor light.
“This is a serious issue. Arijit is a big star and his collaboration with a wanted criminal not only gives a bad name to our country, but also to the US. I have taken up this issue and have asked the authorities for a detailed investigation,” said Ajani.
“Ever since the accused began to reside in the US and is now a green card holder, he does concerts and shows of Indian celebrities in the country, the latest being Arijit’s show which is scheduled for April.”BJP, NRI cell president, Mack Ajani
Speaking to The Quint about the concert, an official from the gurudwara assured that action would be taken against Jai.
“We will appoint a court receiver who will attend Arijit’s concerts in the US, so that we can claim our money back. We will not leave Jai Singh so easily.”
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