Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal because of his selfless work in North America and the Harris police service in full swing, his sacrifice has further highlighted and respected Sikh identity abroad.
By: Surjit Singh Flora
Today the Sikh community in Houston America and around the world is mourning the loss of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was trailblazing deputy police officer in Harris County, Texas, He just stopped the car for a traffic violation and walking back to his patrol car on Friday afternoon when he was shot twice, including at least once in the back of his head
Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, 42, started serving in the Harris County police services in 2008 as a Detention Officer in the US Police. He was promoted to a deputy police officer in 2015. He was a police officer who was allowed to wear a turban and keep his beard.
Dhaliwal was a religious man who proudly wore his Turban on duty with the police services. Dhaliwal gained national and international attention when he sought and received special permission to wear the Sikh articles of faith as part of his uniform.
Last Friday, when he was performing his duty in the city of Houston, Texas when he stopped a car driver for traffic violations, he shot Sandeep and killed him on the spot. The incident sparked a wave of mourning among Sikhs and Indian communities throughout North America. Not only that, but the American people also expressed deep attachment and regretted over the incident. American media has also taken substantial notice of the murder of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal by a devout man. People from all walks of life condemned the incident. Dhaliwal’s service, courage, and dedication are appreciated.
While Dhaliwal was known as an associate and high-ranking officer in the police department, he was always ready to take part in public service activities. At times, he went on leave with his colleagues to serve in various parts of the country to help those trapped in storms, floods, and other natural disasters. Recently, they came to Puerto Rico with the help of a catastrophe.
Dhaliwal, along with his associates, had also set up an organization called United Sikhs to serve the people. Dhaliwal was also highly respected among his police colleagues. That is why many senior officials and colleagues who worked with him after his sacrifice line of duty were seen honoring him as a brother as a family member. One such an officer told the media that acting as the deputy police officer is a risky task.
They serve their lives by risking their lives, and this event has also proved that this job has nothing in stock, but at every moment, there are risks. Dhaliwal was the father of three children.
The 47-year-old Robert Solis has been charged with the capital murder of Deputy Dhaliwal. He was currently on parole who allegedly have violated his probation. However, Since 2014, Solis has been out of prison on parole , As of the court record shows it’s 12 years he was convicted in Harris County of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Robert Solis probably knew he was going to go back to jail and did not want to go back to jail,” There have been similar incidents in the United States in the past.
Many Sikhs have been killed or physically assaulted, targeted as skin color, racism, hate crimes, but this is the first case of an attack on a Sikh officer serving as a police officer. Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was more respected and loved because of his dedication and proven police service. With his scarifies, his life, awareness of Sikh identity throughout the United States has increased. Not only have people of all classes and religions been criticized, but they have also been strongly opposed.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, such hate attacks have only started to increase after the misunderstanding arose about Sikh identity in the United States. The Sikh community has been taking huge steps in the last two decades to raise awareness of its Sikh identity. Not only that California, New Jersey, New York, and several other US state governments have made awareness campaigns to give Sikhs American access to society. Such measures also raise awareness among Sikh people about the identity of the Sikhs and the contribution they are making to North American communities.
The murder of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal is a rare incident. However, the impact of the event is profound and widespread. The incident has indicated that Sikhs will have to take more comprehensive steps to maintain awareness of their security and identity and to end the fear of communal harmony with others.
The natural tendency of Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal and others in our community to stand in the face of natural disasters is not new to Sikhism. Sikhism has a great place of selfless service in the Sikh faith, and this concept and tradition of service influence it. Dhaliwal has been involved in the more massive task of serving humanity in addition to performing police service. For the past few years, the Sikh community, residing in different countries, has begun the task of reviving its religious traditions for human service. People like Khalsa Aid and Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal have made a big contribution to the Turban by going to many places. While acts of public service inspire us to carry out public service following our religious traditions, such activities also contribute significantly to the reflection of our community as a whole.
As we got many of the Sikhs, with Turban in our peel police services, GTA Metro Police, Vancouver BC, they need to be careful, as the racism increasing every corner of the globe.
