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Father and son charged in Queens arson after eviction dispute, feds say
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Mar 5, 2026
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USA v. Narinder Singh and Jawahar Singh
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Mar 5, 2026
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A father and son who were locked in a bitter legal dispute with the landlord of their Queens print shop have been charged by federal prosecutors with setting the space on fire in February.
The suspects, Narinder Singh and Jawahar Singh, were each charged Thursday with malicious use of fire to destroy property in the Eastern District of New York.
Both were facing eviction from their shop on 101st Avenue in Queens and locked in a protracted legal battle with their landlord, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday.
Surveillance footage from the print shop.
USA v. Narinder Singh and Jawahar Singh
In the eviction proceedings, their landlord accused the shop of squatting in the building and signing a false lease that was not authorized by the owner.
A day before the fire, the shop filed an emergency application to avoid eviction, but that was denied by a judge, the complaint stated.
Prosecutors said that early the next morning, on Feb. 18, the Singhs ignited a large fire at the shop using a hot plate and paper towels.
Attorneys for the men did not immediately comment on the charges.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
queens
Ben Feuerherd
Ben Feuerherd covers public safety and policing for WNYC and Gothamist. He previously covered federal courts for The New York Post and The Messenger. His work has also appeared in POLITICO, the Daily Beast and NBC New York. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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