"My father's skull was broken. Two front teeth were gone."
A Sikh New York City resident was killed in a road rage incident.
On October 19, 2023, Jasmer Singh, aged 68, of Queens, was driving his wife home from a doctor’s appointment in preparation for a trip to India.
On the Van Wyck Expressway, Mr Singh accidentally bumped his car into another driver.
Moments after the collision, a witness said they heard a male voice say:
“No police.”
The witness also saw a man reaching into the victim’s car and taking a phone out of his hand.
Mr Singh allegedly got out of his car and followed the other man. Both men argued before Mr Singh managed to take his phone back.
But as Mr Singh returned to his car, the other man allegedly punched him three times in the head and face, causing him to fall to the ground and suffer a brain injury.
He spent a day in hospital before dying from his injuries.
The suspect was identified as Gilbert Augustin and he was arrested. Augustin is facing multiple charges including manslaughter, assault, aggravated unlicensed operation and fleeing an accident.
But the victim’s family believe Augustin should also be charged with a hate crime, requesting the police to explore this avenue.
His son Mr Multani said: “He was educational, a very noble person, a simple person.”
Mr Singh moved to the United States from India to raise his family.
He continued: “He was distinguished looking, with a turban and all that.”
Speaking about the violent incident, Mr Multani said:
“My father’s skull was broken. Two front teeth were gone.”
The victim’s wife was left traumatised after witnessing the attack, with Mr Multani adding:
“She still has that terrible impression right behind her mind. That’s why she’s not here with me. She’s not in that shape.”
Mr Multani believes the severity of the attack can be attributed to his father’s Sikh faith and wants his death to be charged as a hate crime.
He stated: “The guy was addressing my father with his costumes, with his turbans.
“There was no reason for someone to go in that intensity. My father was targeted and it is a possible hate crime.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted about Mr Singh’s death on X, writing:
“Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death.”
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences.
“You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you.”
Mr Multani added: “Consider the safety of the Sikh community, please, that nobody would lose their father, brother, or son like I did.”
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