"There has been so much love and support"
The Sikh woman who was raped in a racially motivated attack in Oldbury has issued an emotional message of thanks to the community.
The woman, aged in her 20s, was attacked on September 9 between 8:00 and 8:30 am by two men. During the assault, her attackers shouted:
“You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
In her message, the victim said: “I want to sincerely thank everyone for supporting me and my family during this very difficult time.
“We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible, and I can’t thank them enough for being my voice.
“I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us.
“Through it all, my family has been my rock, and my community has stood strong beside me.”
Expressing her hopes for justice, she continued:
“The police are doing their best to find those responsible, and I truly hope they are caught so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
She further expressed gratitude to Sikh groups and organisations that have stood by her family:
“There has been so much love and support, and I am truly humbled.
“I want to personally thank my family, Sikh Youth UK who have been so supportive, the local Gurdwara committees and Sikh orgs, and everyone in my community who has stood by me.
“I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through this difficult time.”
A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the rape, however, frustration in the community has grown after he was released on bail without charge.
Inderjit Kaur, a member of the National Executive of the Sikh Federation (UK), said:
“We have asked the police exactly when the man was granted bail and released and have had no straight answers.”
“On Tuesday, we picked up rumours via the media that police officers may have indicated they were probably going to release the man on bail without charge.”
Community leaders say they were left in the dark about the timing of the police appeal, as Kaur added:
“We can only assume they did not want to answer difficult questions including around custody extensions.
“Can you imagine how the victim and family are feeling if those in the community who were her voice are not being kept in the picture and ignored.”
Sikh Federation (UK) has written to West Midlands Police demanding clarity, while community members say they remain determined to support the victim and her family through the ongoing investigation.
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