Two sikh men attacked in alleged hate crime in New York; 2nd assault in less than 10 days [Watch]

Two Sikh men was physically assaulted in an alleged hate crime incident in the Richmond Hill neighbourhood of Queens in New York on Tuesday. This comes a week after an elderly Sikh was attacked brutally.

According to reports, the attackers robbed the two Sikhs in the same locality where Nirmal Singh, a 72-year-old, was attacked in an unprovoked incident. As per New York Police Department Hate Crime Task Force, there were two people enmeshed in the assault in which one was taken into police custody and, the hunt for another one is currently on.

In the meantime, the Consulate General of India in New York has condemned the incident, dubbing it “deplorable,” and said they were in contact with the police who are looking into this incident. “Assault on two Sikh gentlemen in Richmond Hills, New York today is deplorable. We have approached the local authorities and New York City police department in the matter. Understand police complaint filed and one person arrested. We are in touch with communiy members. Ready to offer all assistance to the victims,” It said.

As maintained by local media reports, two suspects attacked the sikh men with a pole and removed their turbans.

The unfortunate incident came nearly 24 hours after the Sikh organisations organised a solidarity march in New York, demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the attack.

According to local media reports, the principal intent of the attack was robbery. “We are going to do everything we can to protect the Sikh community and any religious community that is being targeted,” New York City Council Member, Joann Ariola told QNS. “The NYPD is working overtime to make sure they’re safe and that there are cars outside of the Gurdwara, so they can pray safely and not feel threatened. This is a city that doesn’t tolerate hate,” she added.

New York State Assembly woman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Punjabi American ever elected to New York State Office, said that there has been an “alarming 200% rise in hate crimes against the Sikh community in recent years”.

“I spoke to the NYPD soon after both of this week’s incidents against my Sikh American family. I am calling for both incidents to be investigated as hate crimes, and that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Ms Rajkumar said.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, uploaded a video of the incident, called for a probe into the alleged hate crime incident.

Watch video here: 

The assault transpired almost 12 hours after a gunman in a gas mask and construction vest set off a smoke grenade and fired bullets on a rush-hour subway train, shooting at least 16 people on Tuesday.

Also Read: Joe Biden signs legislation to address hate crimes against Asian Americans

Also Read: UNHCR expresses concern over Taliban decree banning girls from schools