The father-son duo, Narinder Singh, 56, and Jawahar Singh, 29, have been accused of squatting in a Queens storefront and were charged by federal prosecutors for setting the business on fire just hours before they were supposed to be evicted. The incident took place on February 18, with security cameras capturing the pair placing paper towels on a hot plate to start the fire.
The Singhs, who reside in Nassau County, Long Island, have been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with their landlord over their print shop located in Richmond Hill. The landlord alleged that the duo were squatters who forged a lease agreement for the space. The tension escalated when a judge denied the Singhs’ emergency request to avoid eviction on February 17.
On the evening of February 17, the Singhs were seen on video moving a table with a hot plate and paper towels to a section of the store, plugging it into an electrical outlet. Later that night, one of the paper towels ignited, resulting in a destructive blaze that engulfed the entire space just after midnight.
Jawahar Singh informed the FDNY about the internal video surveillance cameras in the print shop after the fire. Both men have been charged with malicious use of fire to destroy property used in interstate commerce by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The evidence against the Singhs, including the security camera footage and their actions leading up to the fire, paints a clear picture of their alleged involvement in the arson. The motive behind their destructive act seems to be rooted in their dispute with the landlord and their impending eviction from the storefront.
The criminal complaint filed against the father and son highlights the seriousness of their actions and the potential consequences they may face as a result. It serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving disputes through legal means rather than resorting to illegal and dangerous tactics such as arson.
Overall, the case of the Singhs underscores the significance of upholding the law and seeking justice through proper channels. Their alleged actions have not only caused significant damage to property but have also put lives at risk, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsibility in resolving conflicts.
