Florida, August 25 — A Change.org petition demanding fair sentencing for Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian truck driver charged with vehicular homicide, has drawn more than 2.3 million signatures, sparking a heated national debate. Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018, is accused of causing a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed three people.
On August 23, Singh was denied bond by St. Lucie County Judge Lauren Sweet, who ruled that Singh, an unauthorized migrant, posed a significant flight risk. The judge also found probable cause for six charges, all classified as forcible felonies under Florida law. If convicted, Singh could face up to 45 years in prison. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), Singh will be deported following the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The Case Against Singh
Investigators allege that on August 12, Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in his semi-truck, causing it to jackknife and block lanes. A minivan subsequently collided with the trailer, killing three occupants. Singh was arrested on multiple counts of vehicular homicide and manslaughter.
Petition for Clemency
The petition, launched by Manisha Kaushal, describes the incident as a “tragic accident” rather than a deliberate act. It appeals to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and judicial authorities to consider clemency, arguing that Singh deserves an opportunity for rehabilitation while still recognizing the gravity of the crash.
Counter-Petition and Backlash
The campaign has provoked sharp opposition. A counter-petition, initiated by self-identified trucker Hugh Mann, has amassed more than 1.6 million signatures. It condemns calls for leniency, asserting that supporting Singh “undermines the legal system” and endangers public safety.
Wider Implications
The controversy has also triggered political responses. Senator Marco Rubio announced a pause on issuing certain work visas for foreign truck drivers, citing risks to American lives and competition with U.S. drivers. The suspension affects several categories, including the widely used H-2B visa for temporary workers. According to the Associated Press, only a fraction of the estimated 3.5 million U.S. commercial drivers are foreign nationals, but the directive could impact thousands.
As Singh awaits trial, the case has become a flashpoint in debates over immigration, public safety, and America’s trucking industry.
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