New Delhi: A young Sikh youth came under attack from a group of unidentified assailants in Canada’s British Columbia province this weekend and sustained serious injuries in the organized assault.
The 21-year-old Gagandeep was attacked on Friday night at around 10.30 PM while he was returning home after some grocery shopping. According to reports, the attackers ripped off his turban and also dragged him across the sidewalk by pulling his hair.
Councillor Mohini Singh, when learnt of the attack, reached the spot and was horrified to see his condition.
Speaking to a local CTV network, she said, “I was horrified when I saw him. He could only speak in soft tones and he couldn’t open his mouth.”‘
She told the newsmen that Gagandeep was attacked by a group of 12-15 young people, who boarded the same bus on which he was returning home.
The Councillor said that the incident took place on St Patrick’s Day.
“While Gagandeep was returning home, a group of rowdy young boys boarded the bus & started harassing him. He told them that he would call the police if they continue to harass him but they didn’t relent,” she told the news channel.
Turban ripped off, boy dragged by hair
Gagandeep was subjected to inhumane treatment by the group of boys as they thrashed him black & blue after getting off the bus and injured his face, ribs & legs.
“They also grabbed his turban, pulled it and dragged him by his hair,” said Mohini Singh giving out shocking details.
“Taking his turban was the worst, it feels like they’ve taken it as a trophy,” she said.
The Councillor said that not just Gagandeep but his friends & the fellow community have also been left shocked & scarred by the incident.
She said that it was a hate crime and should be treated like one.
