"This is literally becoming a slew of hate crimes."
On the morning of April 12, 2022, two Indian men were assaulted with violent punches, kicks and weapons in New York.
The incident took place in the same location where 70-year-old Nirmal Singh was attacked just a few days prior.
A video was posted on social media showing the aftermath of the event showing both men in distress.
One is seen holding his eye and the other is sitting on the pavement surrounded by officers and firefighters.
The two Indian men shared their accounts on video which was later posted on Instagram.
The first man said he was severely beaten and struck with a weapon and brass knuckles. This caused gashes and a bloody wound next to his eye where he had to receive five stitches.
The second man said he was ambushed by two men who thew him onto the ground. Here, they were kicking and punching him and yelling “I’m going to shoot you”.
Both of the men’s turbans were removed in the assault as they covered up and tried to stop the onslaught.
It appears the attack is a targeted hate crime, especially considering it is the second incident of its nature to happen in such a small timeframe.
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Shockingly, the NYPD confirmed that the men who carried out these attacks are the same ones involved in the previous assault on Nirmal.
A video circulating online appears to show one of the suspects carrying a large weapon in his hand.
Allegedly, one of the attackers has been arrested but there is pressure for the NYPD to be aggressive in their investigation and punishment.
There was an outpour of support from residents of New York, as well as the South Asian communities across the world.
Raji Behniwal said on Instagram:
“This is literally becoming a slew of hate crimes.
“The only way it’ll stop is if the community makes enough noise about it and alerts the government officials responsible for that area.”
Another individual tweeted: “Discrimination and hate causes nothing but pain and suffering. This world is in major need of healing”.
Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Punjabi American ever elected to New York State Office released a statement on the matter, saying:
“I am here to say in unequivocal terms that here is zero tolerance for hate crimes against the Sikh American community in New York state.
“I spoke to 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.”
Both Indian men were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Centre to receive treatment and are believed to be in good spirits.
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