Chef Beaten & Robbed as Anti-Indian Attacks in Ireland Surge

An Indian man who has lived in Ireland for 21 years said he was attacked and robbed near Dublin’s Grand Canal early on August 6, 2025.

Laxman Das said three men, who appeared to be in their mid-twenties or thirties, covered his mouth to stop him from calling for help before punching him.

He said his attackers “took everything”, including his phone, money, passport, credit cards and e-bike.

The 51-year-old, who works as a chef at the Marker Hotel in the Docklands, said the blows were so forceful that his bike helmet broke.

He required a brain scan and said his head is still “very sore” with injuries across his body.

The attack comes amid a string of recent assaults on members of the Indian community in Ireland. The Indian embassy in Ireland has urged its citizens to avoid “deserted areas, especially in odd hours”.

The Irish Ambassador to India has called the incidents “appalling” and “deeply at odds” with the values of Irish people.

The Irish embassy in India confirmed it is in regular contact with Ireland’s Indian embassy, while the Department of Foreign Affairs is liaising with An Garda Síochána.

A meeting between Taoiseach Simon Harris and representatives of the Indian community in Ireland is set for August 11.

The attack happened at around 4:30 am on Wednesday. Laxman was taken by ambulance to St Vincent’s Hospital, treated, and discharged at 9 pm the same day.

He said he has cycled to work for two decades without issue until now, but has noticed growing hostility towards the Indian community in recent months.

With his family in India for the summer, the father-of-two is staying with his friend, Sudeep Sanyal, while his injuries are monitored.

Sudeep, a director of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre Ireland, said the helmet saved his friend’s life.

He believes hostility towards Indians has “been going on for many years”, but has worsened:

“Someday someone will die on the road [from an attack], I pray to god something like that should not happen.”

Sudeep said his nine-year-old son is now scared to play outside in case he is attacked.

His family in West Bengal fears for his safety after hearing about the violence through Indian media.

He said:

“Everyone is very worried, it’s very scary for them. Many parents are telling their kids who work here to come back home.”

A Garda spokesperson confirmed investigations are ongoing.

“Without commenting on any specific incident, the Garda National Diversity Unit is actively engaged with the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, the umbrella group for several Indian community groups across the country, to address present concerns.

“We would like to reassure those of an ethnic or minority background that we are here to keep you safe.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime to report it to An Garda Siochana for investigation, or in an emergency call 999/112.”

The spokesperson added that An Garda Síochána will attend next weekend’s annual India Day celebrations to “provide any help and reassurance in light of recent concerns.”