The Indian Panorama

Tag: Hate Crimes

  • Indian American student injured during Florida High School shooting in US

    Indian American student injured during Florida High School shooting in US

    Florida (TIP) : 17 An Indian-American student has sustained injuries ,17 persons, including students , were killed at a Florida high school in the United States by a gun-toting former student, report says.

    Meanwhile, the perpetrator has been identified as Nicolas Cruz. He has been arrested and taken into custody. The incident took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

    US President Donald Trump has expressed condolences. It has been learnt that he spoke with the Florida Governor and was in touch with other top officials. Trump was tracking the tragic incident. First lady Melania Trump has also expressed grief over the incident. The mass shooting is reportedly 18th school shooting of the year and said to be one of the deadliest ones. The incident has once again raised the debate on the much-talked about gun control legislation in the US.

    Reports so far:

    • Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel has said, “Nicolas Cruz was the killer. He is in custody. We already began to dissect his websites and social media that he was on … some of the things that come to mind are very, very disturbing,”
    • 19-year-old Cruz is a former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Cruz got expelled from the school for disciplinary reasons, the Broward County Sheriff said. The suspect had countless magazines, he added.
    • Police said that apparently the former student was carrying one AR-15 rifle. However, they were trying ascertain whether he had other arms or not.
    • According to reports, of the 17 dead, 12 were inside the building, two were shot dead just outside the building, one was on a street outside the school, and two people lost their lives at a hospital. Israel, however, could not confirm the number of victim students.
    • It has been learnt that the school has quite a number of Indian American students. It is believed that at least one student from the community was injured in the incident, according to reports. The ninth grade student had sustained minor injures as he was hit by splinters. He was being treated at a hospital.
    • “This is a sad day for the country and the community. We all Indian Americans are praying for the victims,” Shekar Reddy, whose friend’s son was among those injured in the mass shooting, told PTI.
    • President Donald Trump in a tweet expressed condolences, “My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.” He also said that he has spoken to Governor Rick Scott. “We are working closely with law enforcement on the terrible Florida school shooting,” Trump said.
    • First lady Melania Trump said, “My heart is heavy over the school shooting in Florida. Keeping all affected in my thoughts & prayers.”

    Developing Story……..

     

  • 1984 riots: Delhi Sikh body releases Jagdish Tytler’s ‘confessional’ video

    1984 riots: Delhi Sikh body releases Jagdish Tytler’s ‘confessional’ video

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Feb 5 released a video of a purported sting operation of former Congress MP Jagdish Tytler wherein he has allgedly admitted to killing 100 Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

    While releasing a series of five video clips before the media in New Delhi, DSGMC president and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) national spokesperson Manjit Singh GK claimed that an unknown man on February 3 handed over an envelope to his security guards. The envelope had GK’s name written over it with the instruction “to be opened only by GK.” It contained a pen drive having the five video clips allegedly recorded in 2011 and some documents of transcripts thereof, he added.

    GK alleged that in clip 3, Tytler has admitted that he has killed 100 Sikhs and nothing happened to him except a sham inquiry.

    “This is Tytler’s confession to the crime he has committed during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He should be arrested,” he said.

    He added, “Tytler has audaciously confessed to his crimes like a proclaimed offender. In clip 1, Tytler has expressed remorse for not being able to recover Rs 150-crore cash from his friends. In clip 2, he has stated that his son is in a company which has accounts in Swiss bank and he also boasts about going to Rajya Sabha or being offered the chief ministership of Delhi.”

    GK further alleged, “Clip 3 is shocking wherein Tytler said he had lost faith in then PM Manmohan Singh. Clip 4 contains videos where Tytler boasts about being close to judiciary and how he got justice Pathak and his wife appointed to the court.”

    He warned that in case the investigation agencies fail to arrest Tytler within 24 hours, the DSGMC will launch protests against the police and other government agencies, besides raising the issue in Parliament.

    SUKHBIR SEEKS CASE AGAINST GANDHI FAMILY

    Meanwhile, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded a case be registered against the Gandhi family for “engineering the massacre” of thousands of Sikhs in Delhi and in other parts of the country in the wake of the “evidence” on Tytler.

    Sukhbir alleged that the fact that Tytler was seen bragging that he was behind the murder of 100 Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 and boasting that he had been promised a Rajya Sabha seat or chief ministership of Delhi by the Congress high command proved the Gandhi family’s “direct involvement in the 1984 genocide”. He added, “Now it is incumbent that the courts of law to ask the Gandhi family to explain why it was offering such inducements to a criminal who had the blood of innocent Sikhs on his hands?”

    Tytler files police complaint against GK

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler has filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK and unknown persons, saying that they had released a doctored video which allegedly showed him admitting to killing hundreds of Sikhs in 1984.

    He asked the Delhi Police to register an FIR against Manjit Singh and remove the objectionable video from websites and social media.

    The complaint said: “Manjit Singh recently played several doctored video clips at a press conference claiming them to be of some sting operation. He falsely stated that I had confessed to having killed hundreds of Sikhs in the riots. The statement attributing the killing of Sikhs to me is false and outlandish and the video clips are doctored.”

    “GK could not convincingly state as to how he got the alleged video clips and/or who conducted the sting operation. His explanation was that an unidentified youth had left a sealed packet with a security guard at his residence is ridiculous,” the complaint reads.

  • An Indian American dead and another critical in Georgia shootings

    An Indian American dead and another critical in Georgia shootings

    NEW YORK (TIP): Two Indian Americans, Parmjit Singh, 44, and Parthey Patel, 30, were the victims of a shooting that happened at two different gas stations and convenience stores in Rome, Georgia, according to a myajc.com report.

    Singh was pronounced dead at the scene while Patel is still in critical condition, according to myajc.com.

    Police say that Lamar Rashad Nicholson, 28, walked into the Hi-Tech Quick Stop on Burnett Ferry Road on the night of Feb. 6 a little before 9 p.m. and walked “right up to the counter pulls a gun out of his right pocket, fires 3 rounds, and runs out, he’s in and out in under 12 seconds,” Floyd County Police Sgt. William Wacker told Fox News.

    Police added that there was no robbery or altercation.

    Ten minutes later, Nicholson got into his car, drove a mile and a half down the road and entered Elm Street Food and Beverage, another convenience store, stealing some money before shooting Patel, according to myajc.com.

    “For whatever reason after he stuffed his pockets full of money he shot the clerk anyway,” Rome Police Lt. John Walters told Fox News.

    According to Fox News, while Patel was being rushed to the hospital, police spotted Nicholson in his car less than two miles away, along with a pistol and some money on the seat.

    According to myajc.com, Nicholson was arrested on multiple charges including murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm while committing a crime and use of a firearm by a convicted felon though he was not charged with robbery in Singh’s shooting; he is being held without bond in the Floyd County jail.

    Nicholson, a convicted felon, was arrested just a few weeks ago for violently snatching up his 3-year-old daughter by the arm, according to a report from the Floyd County sheriff’s office. He faced charges of child cruelty, disorderly conduct and simple battery in connection with that incident.

    Friends of Singh, who was also known as “Remi,” dropped off balloons and flowers in front of his store and prayed for his two children who are in high school.

    “That’s the sad part, they’ve got to grow up the rest of their lives without a dad because someone wanted to take their anger out on him,” Michael Dykes, a friend, told Fox News.

    Singh’s brother-in-law, Harry Singh, remembered him as a “personable man who was friendly with everyone he met.”

    “Whenever we all sit down and have a family get-together, he’s always the center of attention. He’s the one who tells us stories and jokes,” Harry Singh told myajc.com.

    Harry told myajc.com that his brother-in-law started out driving limousines in New York before moving to Michigan to get into the convenience store business.

    “He moved to Georgia about five years ago to be closer to family and ended up owning two stores in Rome, one on Martha Berry Boulevard and another on Burnett Ferry Road, where he died. He and his wife of 20 years had just bought a house, one of his lifetime goals. He was a very hardworking man and worked 14 hours a day,” Harry told myajc.com.

    Singh’s customers paid a tribute to him on Facebook, remembering his as “a kind and polite man who enjoyed joking with his customers.”

    Florence McCain, one of Singh’s customers, told myajc.com that his family had just bought and renovated the Burnett Ferry store in September.

    “They were just so nice, the whole family. I was kidding with him just a couple of weeks ago,” McCain said.

    Daniela Comacho told myajc.com that she shopped at the Hi Tech Quick Stop specifically because of Singh’s kindness.

    “I liked to go, not because it was close by but because of how nice of a person he was. He was always interested in knowing that everyone was having a good day,” Comacho said.

     

  • Treat Ayodhya case as a ‘land issue’, rules Supreme Court

    Treat Ayodhya case as a ‘land issue’, rules Supreme Court

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Amid claims and counter-claims by various Hindu and Muslim leaders over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court on Feb 8 refused to be drawn into religious arguments, saying it was only a property dispute.

    “We are treating it only as a land dispute. There are appeals and crossappeals,” a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said after an advocate, who wanted to intervene in the matter, said it involved sentiments of 100 crore Hindus.

    The Bench chose to keep pending all intervention applications filed by those who were not parties to the dispute before the Allahabad High Court. “We are not allowing the intervention application… We are not dismissing them… The applications for impleadment and intervention shall be considered at the appropriate time,” said the Bench, which also included Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer.

    One such intervention application pending before the Bench is from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

    The top court asked all parties to file English translation of documents relied upon in two weeks and posted the matter for March 14. It did not commit to a “dayto- day” hearing of the case.

    The top court is seized of crossappeals challenging the Allahabad High Court’s September 30, 2010, verdict dividing the 2.7-acre disputed land at the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site equally between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Wakf Board. All three chose to challenge the order before the top court. Besides, there are more than 10 other appeals as well.

    Thursday’s hearing was in sharp contrast to the one held on December 5, which was marred by a heated exchange after senior counsel Kapil Sibal, Rajiv Dhawan and Dushyant Dave — representing Muslim appellants — insisted that the case should be heard only after the 2019 Lok Sabha poll as it might impact the electoral outcome.

    Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Uttar Pradesh Government, told the Bench that 504 exhibits, including scriptures such as the Ram Charit Manas and the Bhagavad Gita, their excerpts and 87 depositions along with the translations had been filed.

    Advocate Ejaz Maqbool, appearing for one of the appellants, gave an overview of the documents already filed and those required to be filed. The Bench directed the Registry to make available copies of two video cassettes to advocates for various parties on payment of actual cost.

    The otherwise peaceful proceedings witnessed some banter after senior counsel representing Ram Lalla, CS Vaidyanathan, said the other side should submit a synopsis of their legal propositions to make it easy for all concerned to assist the court.

    “The High Court’s verdict is an insult to justice,” Dhawan said. He requested day-to-day hearing, but the Bench didn’t appear inclined. “There are 700 cases pending where citizens are crying for justice,” said CJI Misra, clarifying he was not commenting on the importance of the Ayodhya case.

  • Indian American Sikh man’s Gas Station vandalized in Kentucky

    Indian American Sikh man’s Gas Station vandalized in Kentucky

    KENTUCKY (TIP): A gas station and convenience store owned by an Indian American Sikh man in Greenup County, Kentucky, was defaced with racial slurs, and “white power” symbols and “swastikas.”

    According to the WSAZ news channel, the store owner Gary Singh was shocked to see his store walls sprayed with highly racist and offensive graffiti.

    “I’m just really shocked that somebody is doing that,” Singh told WSAZ.

    He said he came to know about vandalism of his store from an employee on February 1st morning.

    Police officers who checked the CCTV footage of the store found a ski masked man moving toward the store after 11:30 pm.

    “I was really nervous about that,” Singh told the channel. “It happened to me for the first time in this store in four years’ time. I’ve never done wrong to the community here. I try to help the community all the time.”

    Singh told the channel that he came to the United States in the 90s to fulfill American dream and what happened to his store on Thursday was more than a nightmare.

    The police have registered a case against the unknown miscreants and also seeking the opinion of county prosecutors on whether charges of hate crime can be registered.

    Singh told the channel that he is ready to forgive the vandals and hoped that they don’t mess with his livelihood in the future.

    “Please don’t do it to anybody else,” Singh said. “Don’t hurt anybody’s feelings. Let them work and enjoy their life.”

    This is not the first time that the store is getting vandalized. In 2014, a few former employees, whom Singh fired following a petty robbery, had vandalized the store.

     

     

     

  • Indian Origin techie Kuchibhotla’s widow attends Trump’s State of the Union Address

    Indian Origin techie Kuchibhotla’s widow attends Trump’s State of the Union Address

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Sunayana Dumala, the widow of Indian origin engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was shot dead in a hate crime shooting in Kansas last year, attended President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address.

    Sunayana, 32, was invited as a guest by Congressman Kevin Yoder to attend the event.

    Kuchibhotla was shot dead while his colleague, also an Indian, sustained bullet injuries after an American navy veteran opened fire in a crowded suburban bar in Olathe city in February last year.

    The shooter thought they were Middle Easterners and was heard telling them to “get out of my country” at the time of the shooting.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Sunayana met a number of Congressional leaders, including House speaker Paul Ryan. The speaker said he knows Sunayana’s story and remembers her.

    Yoder said he asked Sunayana to be his guest as a recognition for her tireless efforts to promote peace, and as a message to the Indian community that the US is a nation of immigrants and they are welcome here.

    “Each year, I have the privilege of inviting one guest to attend the president’s State of the Union address. This year, I invited Sunayana Dumala, widow of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the Indian immigrant who was tragically killed in the hate crime shooting last year at in Olathe,” Yoder said.

    The Indian American community appreciated the move.

    Brijpal Singh, the chairman of the India Association of Kansas City, said in a letter to Yoder, “This further strengthens our belief and confidence in the American system and its Constitution where everyone is respected, loved and is welcome.”

    The State of the Union Address is a traditional annual speech of the US president to a joint session of the Congress where he gives an account of the situation in the country.

     

  • Man burnt alive in Rajasthan over ‘love jihad’

    Man burnt alive in Rajasthan over ‘love jihad’

    JAIPUR (TIP): In a shocking incident, a 50-year-old labourer was burnt alive and a video of the gruesome murder uploaded on the social media in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, the police said. The alleged perpetrator, Shambunath Raigar, was arrested on Thursday even as the victim’s family demanded death for the accused.

    The victim, Mohammad Afrazul, belonged to Malda district of West Bengal, the police said.

    Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has handed over the probe to a special investigation team (SIT). SP Manoj Kumar said the accused was being interrogated and that the police were keeping an eye on the law and order situation.

    The murder was filmed by Shambunath’s associate and uploaded on the social media. The video shows the perpetrator hitting the victim with an agricultural tool and then dousing him with kerosene before setting him afire in Raj Nagar. Raigar is then seen threatening those indulging in “love jihad”. In another video, Raigar justifies the act, saying it was a bid to save a girl from “love jihad”.

    At victim’s ramshackle home in Kaliachak, Malda, Afrazul’s inconsolable mother said: “I spoke to my son in the morning before he was killed. I don’t know why he was murdered. I have seen the video, the guilty should be punished.”

    The victim’s eldest of the three daughters sought death for the accused. “Phansi, phansi, oke phansi dao” (hang, hang, the murderer must be hanged),” she said.

    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned the death of the sole breadwinner of the family. “How can people be so inhuman? Sad,” she tweeted.

    CPM’s local functionaries visited Afrazul’s home and met the bereaved family. “The CPM condemns the horrific killing of a migrant worker in the name of ‘love jihad’. The killing is a result of the environment of hate and communalism fostered by Hindutva forces. RSS-BJP answerable for such shocking hate crimes,” the CPM said in a statement.

    In Kolkata, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seemed unaware of the incident when asked by the media. Mamata stepped in, saying: “You are asking a political question.” Rajnath later abruptly wrapped up the press conference.

    Kaliachak, victim’s hometown, is a highly-sensitive area and has witnessed communal clashes in the past.

  • Chairman Crowley, House Democrats Urge Republicans to Hold Hearings on the Rise of Hate Crimes

    Chairman Crowley, House Democrats Urge Republicans to Hold Hearings on the Rise of Hate Crimes

    WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP):  69 House Democrats, on November 30, asked Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, to hold hearings on the rise in hate crimes in America and the urgent need for the federal government to improve how these crimes are tracked and addressed.

    The FBI recently reported that the agency documented 6,121 hate crimes in 2017 – a noted increase from 2015. However, this statistic is far from comprehensive given the broad gaps in reporting from many jurisdictions – meaning the true scope of this epidemic is likely far greater.

    “It’s no secret that the rise in hate crimes has tracked with the campaign of the President. His stated support for the use of violence as well as sympathy for white supremacist groups has created an atmosphere of dread within all too many American communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “Given this disturbing new reality, we urge the committee to convene immediate hearings to address the rise of hate crimes, the need to bridge the data gap, and steps that lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and our communities can take to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place.”

    The letter is led by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus Chair Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), the ranking member on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and LGBT Equality Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (D-WI). The letter was also signed by Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Donald Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and 59 others.

    The FBI released a report on November 13 that found that hate crimes had increased in 2016. The FBI defines hate crimes as a criminal act motivated by bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.

  • Indian American Aakash Dalal gets 35 years prison sentence for fire bombing synagogues

    Indian American Aakash Dalal gets 35 years prison sentence for fire bombing synagogues

    HACKENSACK, NJ (TIP): Aakash Dalal, an Indian-American youth in New Jersey was sentenced July 28, to 35 years in prison on terrorism charges for firebombing synagogues along with his friend Anthony Graziano. The two were convicted last year of spray-painting anti-Semitic graffiti at synagogues in Maywood and Hackensack, attempting to burn down synagogues in Paramus and Rutherford and throwing Molotov cocktails into a rabbi’s home in Rutherford.

    Graziano and Dalal were charged on a 30-count indictment in 2013 with arson and bias-related incidents that occurred from Dec. 11, 2011 to Jan. 11, 2012 in Paramus, Rutherford, Maywood and Hackensack.

    The indictment included nine charges for the attempted murder of Rabbi Neil Schuman and his family and the associated firebombing of Temple Beth El Synagogue in Rutherford.

    The men were also charged with the Jan. 3, 2012 firebombing of Temple K’Hal Adath Jushrun in Paramus and the attempted arson of Jewish Community Center in Paramus on Jan. 7, 2012. The bias intimidation offenses related to Temple Beth Israel in Maywood and Temple Beth El in Hackensack.

    Dalal, a former student at Rutgers University, was arrested in March 2012. Dalal, who authorities said of the brainchild behind the firebombings, was convicted of terrorism in November last year. Dalal showed Anthony Graziano how to make the molotov cocktails used in the firebombings. They have known each other since middle school.

  • Leading Members of Government and Civil Society Join Hindu Leaders at Advocacy Forum

    Leading Members of Government and Civil Society Join Hindu Leaders at Advocacy Forum

    WASHINGTON (TIP): With a delegation of over 60, the Hindu American Foundation hosted its second annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC, complete with a full day long policy conference, an evening reception, as well as an advocacy on the Hill day consisting of meetings with elected officials.

    Monday, June 19, brought together leading members of government and civil society to discuss the protection of civil rights, ways to combat the rise of hate crimes in the US, and the spread of terrorism and violent extremism across South Asia.

    Panelists included: Tom Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, US Department of Justice; Michael Lieberman, Anti-Defamation League & Convener of the Hate Crimes Coalition Taskforce; Ron Mori, Japanese American Citizens League; Sushil Pandit, CEO of Hive Communication & Co-Founder of Roots in Kashmir; Seth Oldmixon, Founder of Liberty South Asia; and Anita Wadhwani, India Country Director, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Asian & Pacific Security Affairs.

    “In 2015 the number of anti-religious hate crimes was the largest percentage of hate crimes in the 25 year history of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act,” Michael Lieberman told the audience. “This year was the first year ever that the FBI collected anti-Hindu hate crimes. The reason they did this was because of your advocacy.”

    On how to prevent extremist terrorism at the broadest level, Seth Oldmixon concluded, “We [in the United States] have to be a city on the hill. We have to be a shining example of demonstrating that religious freedom and tolerance and inclusivity work. That is the biggest threat to these extremist groups.”

    During HAF’s annual DC advocacy day, on June 20th, delegates met with 50 members of Congress to discuss community concerns about rising hate crimes, the spread of terrorism, and the lack of transparency and accountability at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The delegation also addressed the need to generate greater awareness of heart health among South Asian Americans.

    The Advocacy Forum concluded with HAF’s Capitol Hill Reception, which garnered more than 200 attendees—including members of Congress such as Raja Krishnamoorthi. In addition, Charles Haynes, founder of the Religious Freedom Center and a vice-president at the Newseum Institute, was honored with the Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism.

  • Sikh Cabbie assaulted by drunken passengers in New York

    Sikh Cabbie assaulted by drunken passengers in New York

    NYPD investigating if it was a hate crime

    Mayor de Blasio and Indian Consulate express concern

    NEW YORK (TIP): A drunken passenger roughed up a Sikh cabbie and snatched the turban off his head in an assault the NYPD is investigating as a possible hate crime.

    Harkirat Singh, 25, said the theft of his religious garb was the culmination of a scary encounter early Sunday with a belligerent boozehound and his three buddies that has made him too scared to drive another night shift.

    “I’m so afraid. I don’t want to work,” Singh told the Daily News at his home in Ozone Park, Queens. “It’s an insult on my religion, also,” he said. “An insult of my faith. It’s horrible.”

    Butcher leaves black deliveryman paranoid after handing him nooseThe immigrant from Punjab, India, said he picked up three men and a woman – all in their 20s – around 5 a.m. at the corner of Eighth Ave. and 30th St., a few blocks south of Madison Square Garden.

    The quartet said they wanted to go to E. 165th St. and Jerome Ave. in the Bronx. When the yellow taxi reached that intersection, the passengers complained that Singh took them to the wrong destination – but the drunks couldn’t give the cabbie a straight answer about where to go next, he said.

    Harkirat Singh, a Sikh taxi driver, was assaulted, called names and robbed of his religious turban in the Bronx while trying to collect a fare. (TODD MAISEL/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

    “The girl’s saying, ‘Take the right.’ The Spanish guy’s saying, ‘Take the left.’ So, at that time, I was confused,” Singh said. They began hurling slurs and banging on the plastic partition in his cab, Singh recalled. Gay couple rattled after brick-throwing teens spewed slurs in NYC

    “They’re using bad words, also. They said, ‘Ali Baba, f–k you,’” said Singh, who moved to the U.S. three years ago.

    He pulled over and told the group to pay $41.76 and to find another cab. The woman coughed up the cash after Singh called 911 – but then one of the men got back into the cab.

    Singh said the man who got back into the cab tried to smash the meter. Then he punched Singh

    in the arm, the cabbie said. “After that, he picked off my turban from my head,” he said. “He wanted to snatch my phone also…It was too horrible.”

    Police sources described the suspect as a clean-shaven white Hispanic man in his 20s, around 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 lbs. He was wearing red shoes and blue jeans. He had short hair.

    Terrified and crying, Singh says he pleaded with the man to calm down.

    “Why are you doing this, brother? We can sit. We can talk,” he recalled telling the unruly passenger.

    “At that time, I’m so afraid – they can do anything to me. They’re gonna kill me.” With cops en route, the group made a run for it – with Singh’s turban, which is a primary symbol of the faith.

    Singh said he’d been wearing a turban since he was 6. The theft occurred just hours after thousands of Sikhs flocked to Times Square for the annual celebration of Vaisakhi also dubbed Turban Day.

    Police say they’re only seeking one suspect, though they’d like to speak to the other three passengers. Singh did not require a medical attention but filed a report with police. He was able to snap a photo of two of the passengers.

    New York Mayor Bill de Blasio ? @NYCMayor tweeted: Harkirat Singh – You are welcome here. What happened to you was wrong. You did the right thing by calling the NYPD. https://twitter.com/ nydailynews/status/ 854105456104673281 …

    9:23 PM – 17 Apr 2017 – Harpreet Singh Toor, the chairman of public policy and external affairs at The Sikh Cultural Society, said the theft reflected prejudice against Sikhs, who often are the butt of anti-Muslim bias despite following a different faith. “I used to get mad – now I laugh at it, because if we are still ignorant about other faiths…who will make those people understand?” he asked.

    Consulate General of India in New York learnt about the incident and an official said it was a serious matter, if it were a case of hate crime. The Consulate is in touch with New York Police Department to get more information on the incident, the official said.

    Sikh community leaders HS Toor, Master Mohinder Singh and Himat Singh Sarpanch expressed concern at the incident and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

  • Raja Krishnamoorthi calls for decisive steps to end bigotry, hate crimes

    Raja Krishnamoorthi calls for decisive steps to end bigotry, hate crimes

    Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has asked the US administration to take “decisive steps” to end bigotry and hate crimes towards Indian-Americans and other religious minorities in the country.

    “There are various reasons (for increase in hate crimes), but one is certainly there’s been a rise in divisive rhetoric starting with the top,” Krishnamoorthi, Congressman from Illinois, said.

    Krishnamoorthi, who has initiated steps to galvanise his Congressional colleagues on the issue, said there has been a number of issues taken on the immigration front, which really contributes to the divisive atmosphere in this country.

    “Starting with the immigration executive order dated January 27th, which targeted American legal permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders. But we’ve now seen a number of steps taken by the White House on a number of fronts, which have sown confusion, concern, and fear among Indian-Americans and others,” Krishnamoorthi told PTI.

    The first-time Congressman said he has not seen any measures being taken by President Donald Trump.

    “Not so far, but I’m heartened that at least Secretary (of Homeland Security John) Kelly was willing to meet with me and others to discuss this issue and to recognise that there has been an increase in hate crimes and that we need to do something about it,” he said.

    “But now is the time to act. We can’t just have a nice talk. It’s time for the authorities at the very top of our government to take decisive steps to end the state of bigotry and prejudice that’s being directed toward Indian-Americans, Jews, Latinos, Muslims, and others because at the end of the day, we have to come together as a country to confront the various challenges that we have on the landscape, primarily economic,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    One thing that the Trump Administration can do is that they can make sure that there continue to be the registry of where are the attacks happening and against who, and those responsible for it are prosecuted.

    “They’ve been dilly-dallying on this front in a number of cases,” he alleged.

    “It’s very clear that some of these attacks were motivated by hate, and they should be prosecuted as such. Then, we need leaders to come and meet with the community and to show solidarity with them,” he said.

    “We are all Americans, and regardless of what you think about his policies, George Bush, after the September 11th attacks, actually showed up in the different communities to allay concerns about different communities being singled out as targets of hatred. We need that same type of attention being given now,” he said.

    “Then, word needs to go out into law enforcement that they need to act with even more purpose, and they need to do everything they can to stop these attacks,” he added.

    Read more

    Krishnamoorthi last week met with Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly.

    During the meeting, he brought up the concerns about the attacks on Indian-Americans, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and others.

    “I basically got a commitment from him to work on this issue, and he also lamented the rise in White supremacist organisations,” he said.

    “I then followed up with a letter to him basically urging him to take action to follow up on his commitment. Then I’ve also asked him to come to Chicago and hold meetings with local concerned community leaders with regard to this issue. He said that he was interested, but we’re following up on that,” he added.

    “This follows a number of other actions taken by our office including calling for investigative hearings of my Oversight Committee, writing to Department of Justice (DOJ) including Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking them to investigate, and various other statements and letters that we’ve sent,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    “In addition, I’ve met with local leaders in the community with regard to this issue, and we are holding town halls and other meetings to basically bring attention to what’s happening. We’re doing everything we can to make sure that we address this rise in hate crimes and prejudice and bigotry in as diligent a manner as possible,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    Having received feedback from across the country, Krishnamoorthi said Indian-Americans are very concerned, which is bordering on fear.

    “I think that we have to do everything we can to allay their concerns, but more importantly, to take action, to make sure that we get to the bottom of what’s happening and prevent future attacks,” he said.

  • African-American attacks Nepali-Indian establishment pretending to be white supremacist

    African-American attacks Nepali-Indian establishment pretending to be white supremacist

    New York, April 11: A Bhutanese businessman is the victim of a false flag assault in Charlotte by an African-American man who made the attack on the man’s store appear to be the work of white supremacists.

    Hate Politics – A rash of racist attacks have broken out after Donald Trump’s victory

    North Carolina police arrested on Sunday the man allegedly seen on a surveillance video setting fire to the store on Thursday and leaving a note threatening to torture immigrants and refugees and signing it “White America”, The Charlotte Observer newspaper reported.

    The Central Market, described as Nepali-Indian establishment that sells South Asian food and gifts, is owned by Kamal Dhimel, a refugee from Bhutan.

    On Thursday night, the store’s front door was set on fire, a glass pane on the door was smashed with a stone and the note signed “White America” and warning that refugees and immigrant business owners would face torture “if they did not leave and go back to where they came from” was left there, according to police quoted by the newspaper.

    Investigators said a video surveillance of the incident showed a “black male suspect”, the Observer reported.

    African-American man Curtis Flournoy, 32, has been arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation, sending threatening letters, burning a business building and using incendiary material, according to the newspaper.

    Charlotte City Council member Dimple Ajmera told the Observer that she was frustrated to see the hate crime take place.

    “I’ll continue to work around the clock to make sure that all businesses and all the residences feel safe,” she added.

    Last month, Harnish Patel, an Indian-American businessman in Lancaster in neighbouring South Carolina state, was shot dead outside his home. There have been no arrests in the case.

    While attacks and threats against ethnic and religious minorities have always been a feature of America, activists and Democratic Party leaders have attributed recent incidents to President Donald Trump.

     

    RECENT RISE OF ATTCKS ON INDIAN AMERICANS

    In some places, including New York, false reports have been spread about raids on illegal immigrants to spook immigrant communities.

    In February, an Indian-American woman, Ekta Desai, was harassed on a New York-New Jersey metro train by an African-American man who threatened her using foul language and said she should “get out of here”.

    She uploaded the video of the harassment, but the Democratic New York city or state officials have not come forward to condemn it or take action against the man. US human rights organisations have not reacted to it either.

    In February, in a case directly attributed to white racism, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchsbhotla was shot dead and Alok Madsani was injured in Kansas, after they were mistaken for Middle Easterners or Iranians.

    The alleged shooter, a white man, has been arrested and awaiting trial.

    Last month, a Sikh in Kent, Washington State, was shot and injured by a man who shouted at him, “Go back to your country”. Authorities are still looking for the shooter.

    In another case last month, an Indian woman Sasikala Narra, 38, and her six-year-old son, Anish, were stabbed to death in New Jersey.

  • Attacks On Indians In United States Taken Up At Highest Level: Ajit Doval

    Attacks On Indians In United States Taken Up At Highest Level: Ajit Doval

    New Delhi:  Attacks against Indians in the US were taken up by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with senior American officials during his visit to Washington last month, the government said today.

    The government has taken up the issue of incidents of attack on Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin with the US government at very high levels, including during the visits of the foreign secretary and national security advisor, Minister of State V K Singh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

    “We have conveyed our deep concern, and called for necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian diaspora as well as expeditious investigation into these incidents,” the minister said.

    Mr Doval, who visited the US from March 23 to 24, held a series of meetings with the top Trump administration officials, including US Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster.

    This year has seen many incidents of hate crimes against Indian nationals including killing of an engineer in Kansas by a US navy veteran.

  • AAPI condemns violence against physicians in India: Appeals to Govt. of India to put an end to violence against physicians

    AAPI condemns violence against physicians in India: Appeals to Govt. of India to put an end to violence against physicians

    NEW YORK (TIP): Physicians in India feel threatened and their lives are in danger. Some hospital administrators have begun to hire muscular looking bouncers, whose imposing presence deters patients’ relatives from aggressive behavior. The medical fraternity in several states is on strike, due to the recent incidents of violence against doctors. This is not good for the people we are committed to care and also is not benefiting the Doctors.

    In a letter sent to the Prime Minister of India and several high ranking officials at the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, condemned the ongoing violence against physicians across several states in India.

    “We at AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, urge the government of India to make all the efforts possible and put an end to this ongoing violence against medical professionals and enable them to continue to serve the country with dignity, pride and security,” Dr. Lodha said in the letter sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Health Minister, India’s ambassador to the US and the Ambassador of the US to India.

    Recalling that from ancient times, physicians across India and around the world have been revered for dedicating their lives for the noble mission of preventing people from getting and saving millions of lives of people from illnesses, Dr. Lodha told the Indian government that “we as a community of physicians and individual members of this fraternity have decided to go into the medical profession with the best of intentions. We as physicians want to help people, ease suffering and save lives. Physicians of Indian origin are well known around the world for their compassion, passion for patient care, medical skills, research, and leadership.”

    Expressing shock that despite these noble intentions, many doctors and nurses put their own lives on the line in the course of their jobs, facing attacks from the very people they are trying to help. “Violence against doctors has reached such an extreme in India that the medical staff is afraid to come to work and they need a police presence in the hospitals where they work,” Dr. Lodha said.

    For instance, 49 doctors have been attacked in the state of Maharashtra alone since 2015. “The violence against physicians in India, will put a dent in these area, where we have been growing rapidly as world leaders and will cause irrevocable damage to the health industry in India and our image will be tarnished forever, Dr. Lodha pointed out.

    Pointing to reports by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), he said, more than 75% of the population of doctors have had to deal with some degree of violence or aggression directed at them, according to. Shockingly, a large proportion of doctors don’t report such incidents, believing them to be a part of the job so the true figures are likely to be higher. Incidents vary from minor verbal abuse all the way through to the murder or attempted murder of staff, Dr. Lodha said.

    While security needs to be strengthened, enhancing the doctor-patient relationship is undoubtedly the most important factor in reducing violence. Improving the quality of medical facilities and reducing the financial burden on patient’s families is also important as large payments may be catastrophic for poorer people and if they then encounter poor facilities too, this may engender a feeling of corruption. There is even an online petition in change.org seeking safe work environment for doctors.

    According to Lodha, this recent rapid increase in violence has the potential to tarnish India’s image globally as a rising super power. One of the world’s fastest growing economics, India is a dynamic market with immense opportunities in healthcare. With pioneering Indian companies offering a global work culture, India is becoming a preferred career destination for professionals looking for exceptional individual learning and unique growth opportunities. And, in recent decades, India is turning medical tourism hub, attracting millions of people from abroad.

    The members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), an umbrella organization which has nearly 90 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations, with over 35 years of history of dedicated services to their motherland and the adopted land, are appalled at the growing violence against our fellow physicians in India, Dr. Lodha said. “We strongly condemn this ongoing violence. And we want immediate action against the culprits, who have been carrying on these criminal acts. We are shocked by the lack of coherent action against such violence and protect members of this noble fraternity.”

  • INOC, USA deplores mob attack on Nigerian Students in Greater Noida, India

    INOC, USA deplores mob attack on Nigerian Students in Greater Noida, India

    NEW YORK (TIP): ‘It is a sad day for a nation when foreign nationals are targeted, harassed and beaten up. What kind of a country India wants to be?’ asked George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA. ‘We strongly condemn the alleged racist and brutal attack on Nigerian students by a mob in Greater Noida, U.P and call upon the Ministry of External Affairs and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to take prompt action to identify and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Undoubtedly, these are hate crimes and should be dealt with seriously’ the statement added.

    Indians are one of the largest Emigrant groups to anywhere and demand freedom and opportunities wherever they seem to settle down. Those opportunities have enabled the NRIs to contribute substantially to the development of modern India. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Government of India as well its citizens to reciprocate and extend the same courtesies to foreigners who come to India whether it is for further studies or conducting business.

    We all had felt the pain when one of our own, an Indian Techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed in Kansas. It is only fair that we express the same outrage when an injustice is done to foreigners who reside in India.

    However, we have serious doubts about the willingness and fortitude of the current BJP Government to seriously deal with racism and bigotry as they thrive on polarization and division. It should be noted that even students from Northeast are allegedly facing harassment and discrimination in their daily lives at the nation’s capital and only the strict enforcement of law and order and upholding of constitutional values may bring about any relief.

    As for NRIs, it is a moral imperative to voice their serious concern in this regard to the government of India. Demanding fairness elsewhere while remaining silent in the face of injustice towards the treatment of foreigners in India would tantamount to just plain hypocrisy, the statement added.

  • Congressional briefing aims to address uptick in hate violence

    Congressional briefing aims to address uptick in hate violence

    WASHINGTON (TIP): On March 23, 2017, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian civil rights organization, held a Congressional briefing to address the uptick in hate violence nationwide and highlight recommendations for change, as outlined in their recent report, “Power, Pain, Potential.”  SAALT was joined by eight members of Congressional leadership and community partners in an urgent discussion on combating the surge in hate violence aimed at South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Arab, and Middle Eastern Americans across the country.

    Indian American lawmakers who joined the discussion include Congressman Ami Bera, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal , Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi , and Congressman Ro Khanna.

    “As President Trump continues to test fire Muslim bans, this administration appears intent on intensifying efforts to ignore and provoke hate violence,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “The President has a sworn duty to protect the rights and safety of all Americans. Today’s briefing with Congressional leaders is an important step in making sure President Trump doesn’t escape his responsibilities.”

    “As a nation, we must come together to stand up to these disturbing acts of hate violence – starting with the President. I am saddened and outraged when I hear about any American being warned not to speak their language or wear traditional clothing in public out of safety concerns. These hateful attacks do not reflect who we are as a nation of immigrants, but such violence could do irreparable damage to our reputation around the world”, said Ami Bera.

    “We will continue to be resilient to counter the fearful, hateful people who think they can control us-they cannot. The resolution that Congressman Crowley and I introduced, along with the work of SAALT are steps in the direction of ending this vitriol, but every single person in this country has a stake in ending hate. This falls on all of us, I would encourage the current administration to remember that”, said Pramila Jayapal.

    “The hate-motivated crimes we have witnessed these past months have been an attack on the very spirit of America. As we confront this wave of hate, it is heartening to see so many Americans -from the South Asian community and others – coming together for essential meetings, like this briefing, to speak out and stand up for the values of our country”, said Raja Krishnamoorthi.

    “I have full confidence that our country will stand together, on a bipartisan basis, against hateful words and actions, and we must prosecute any hate crimes to the full extent of the law”, said Ro Khanna.

  • US Universities Register Drop In Indian Student Applications, Finds Survey

    US Universities Register Drop In Indian Student Applications, Finds Survey

    Washington: US universities have registered a hefty drop in the number of applications from Indian students amid a spate of hate crimes and fear about potential changes to visa policies by the Trump administration, found a survey. According to the preliminary results of the survey of more than 250 American colleges and universities conducted by six top American higher education groups, students from India this fall registered a 26 per cent decline in undergraduate applications and 15 per cent decline has been reported in graduate applications.

    The full version of the ‘Open Doors 2016’ report is slated to be released later this week. These higher educational institutions reported a drop of an average of 40 per cent application from international students.

    The report said that India and China currently make up 47 per cent of US international student enrollment, with almost half a million Indian and Chinese students studying in the US.

    China reported a drop of 25 per cent application in undergraduate studies and 32 per cent from graduate studies, said the survey report.

    The survey was conducted jointly by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Institute of International Education, Association of International Educators, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and its focus subgroup International Association for College Admission Counseling (ACAC).

    The most frequently noted concerns of international students and their families, as reported by institution-based professionals, include perception of a rise in student visa denials at US embassies and consulates in China, India and Nepal and perception that the climate in the US is now less welcoming to individuals from other countries.

    It also includes concerns that benefits and restrictions around visas could change, especially around the ability to travel, re-entry after travel, and employment opportunities and concerns that the Executive Order travel ban might expand to include additional countries.

    “I’d say the rhetoric and actual executive orders are definitely having a chilling effect on decisions by current applicants/admitted students, and by extension are likely to affect future applicants as well,” Wim Wiewel, Portland State’s president, who was recently in India told Inside Higher Education.

    “India’s demonetisation policy and the weakness of the value of the rupee against the dollar,” are other factors according to Wiewel, the news report said.

    The Portland University has registered 27 per cent drop in the number of Indian students this fall.

    “However, we were struck by how much US higher education is still considered the holy grail, and that especially in the southern half of India almost every middle class family seems to have a relative in the US… Thus, if nothing too bad happens in the future we will recover from this, but people are watching,” he noted.

    A lot of universities are concerned about declines in master’s students from India, John J Wood, the senior associate vice provost for international education, at the State University of New York at Buffalo, was quoted as saying by Inside Higher Education.

    “A lot of the master’s students coming from India are ultimately hoping to get on the job market here through OPT (Optional Practical Training) and eventually H-1B,” Wood said.

    The optional practical training programme allows international students to work for one to three years on their student visas after graduation.

    “There’s a lot of fear and anxiety about potential changes to H-1B and/or OPT that would limit their opportunities. Making the decision to invest in a master’s program when the uncertainty on the other end is there is an issue for a lot of students in India,” he was quoted as saying by the report.

    Recent killing of an Indian engineer in Kansas and other hate crime is another factor that would have an impact on application of students from India, Woo said.

    “Those events affect us, whether we like it or not. The impact is not just going to be on Indian nationals. It could impact other students from other countries who may now be concerned about coming,” Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president for educational outreach and international programs, at Wayne State University, told a media outlet that focuses on higher education.

  • Indian American lawmakers express concern regarding Hate Crimes against Indian Americans in Bay Area

    Indian American lawmakers express concern regarding Hate Crimes against Indian Americans in Bay Area

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Silicon Valley Indian American Elected Legislative Officials expressed their concern regarding increasing hate crimes against Indian Americans in the Bay Area.

     

    In a joint statement Congressman Ro Khanna, Assembly member Ash Kalra, Mayor Pradeep Gupta (South San Francisco), Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan (Cupertino), Councilmember Arun Goel (Dublin),
    Councilmember Raj Salwan (Fremont), and Councilmember Rishi Kumar (Saratoga) urged to promote diversity and equality to create an America where people continue to treat each other with respect.

    “In the past few months, we have seen a number of hate crimes against Indian Americans in our own backyard. In San Jose, an Indian man driving a foreign car was questioned about his loyalty to America and told to ‘go back to [his] own country,’ an incident he later described as his ‘first racial encounter in his 41 years as a resident of this country.’ In Fremont, an Indian woman was slapped in an incident that was categorized a hate crime. There are other minor incidences that have not yet been reported to law enforcement officials.

    “All of us are deeply hurt and saddened by these recent happenings, more so with the recent shooting in Kansas and Seattle. It is very unsettling that these hate crimes have popped up in Silicon Valley as well, where diversity and culture are so dearly treasured. America after all, has always been a nation of immigrants and has always valued the work and ideas that immigrants bring to its shores. That people are being attacked simply because of their skin color or their nation of origin is unacceptable and shameful.

    “We, the undersigned, pledge that we will make it a priority to protect all minorities and immigrants from such attacks. We are invested in rolling back the climate of hatred that is seemingly sweeping the country, collaborating towards a society in harmony, working together for simple American values, and building a prosperous Silicon Valley and America. Together, we can promote diversity and equality to create an America where we continue to treat each other with respect.

    “We have great confidence in the fundamental decency and kindness of the American people. We know these attacks represent a fringe that is not representative of our values. We are confident that here, in the Bay Area, we will rise above these attacks and be a model for the country of tolerance and respect.”

  • Indian-American Group launches Campaign against Hate Crimes

    Indian-American Group launches Campaign against Hate Crimes

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Chicago-based Indian-American Public Affairs Committee (IAPAC) has launched a campaign across the US to spread awareness about hate crimes against the community.

    The committee plans to organize a series of grass root events and town halls across the country. “There is a need to bring understanding about the people of Indian-American and represent their interests,” Ashwani Dhall, one of the founding members of IAPAC, said in a statement.

    The committee plans to highlight how Indian-Americans have been an intrinsic part of the American fabric and will also ask different state governments and cities to announce Indian-American awareness month.

    “By bringing together elected officials, local and business leaders and the media, the aim is to assure Indian-American community that incidents like the hate-crime in Kansas City are not tolerated or repeated,” the statement read.

    IAPAC will also organize events in San Francisco Bay Area, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle as part of the campaign. It wants to ensure that correct information, not rumors, on existing policies is disseminated to people, according to the statement.

    “It was heartening to hear [President] Trump denounce the Kansas City incident right at the start of his address to the Congress,” IAPAC president Vinesh Virani said. “We have hope that the current administration will work to bring everyone together,” he added.

  • Indian American community leaders meet Kansas Governor over their security concerns

    Indian American community leaders meet Kansas Governor over their security concerns

    “The hateful actions of one man don’t define us-KS welcomes & supports Indian community,”:  Governor Sam Brownback

    Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) joined the Indian American community of Kansas on March 3 to meet with Governor Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. The topic at hand was the tragic hate crime shooting at a bar in Olathe, last month, in which Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed and Alok Madasani was injured. Ian Grillot, an American bystander, remains critically injured from his heroic attempt to stop the shooter from inflicting more harm.

    The recent public Facebook post written by Sunayana Dummala, widow of Srinivas, was presented to the Governor. Messages for the Governor sent to the delegation from Sunayana and Alok were read as well, both thanking the Governor for his attention to the tragedy and urging for justice to be served.

    Governor Brownback gave assurances that the perpetrator in custody, Adam Purinton, currently facing first-degree murder and attempted first degree murder charges, would be prosecuted to ‘furthest extent of the law’. He further gave commitments that state officials would cooperate with federal authorities officially investigating the incident as a hate crime.

    “The hateful actions of one man don’t define us-KS welcomes & supports Indian community,” Governor Brownback said in a tweet shortly after the meeting.

    Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer also took to Twitter to express his support after the meeting, “Unique contributions of the Indian community make KS a better place. We stand with them in the face of this crime.”

    Anupam Ray, the Consul General of India based in Houston, TX, was also present to convey concern about the safety of its citizens from the Prime Minister of India, as well as gratitude for the heroism of Grillot. The delegation also included Mayor Usha Reddi of Manhattan, KS.

    Mr. Sridhar Harohalli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Indian Association of Kansas City said, “The delegation which included Dr. Anupam Ray, the Indian Consul General, really helped us get assurance that this incident will be prosecuted effectively. Governor Brownback’s commitment help to get Srinivas’ widow Sunayana Dummala back to her home and career in Kansas was also heartening. We look forward to working with his office on initiatives such as the Indian Heritage Month to further enhance awareness about our community in the state.”

  • Indian American targeted in hate crime

    Indian American targeted in hate crime

    “Go back to your country” shouted in yet another hate crime. Fourth violent attack against Indian American reported

    LANCASTER, S CAROLINA (TIP): On March 2 night, a case of shooting death was reported from Lancaster, South Carolina. Convenience store owner, Indian American Harnish Patel’s body was discovered outside his home. Patel is survived by his wife and a child in elementary school, who were at home when he was killed. Local TV reported that there was palpable anger among the residents of Lancaster against the killing of Patel, who was a beloved member of the community. Police officials in Lancaster, however, would not label Patel’s killing was a hate crime as the investigation is still on.

    There have been multiple reports of hate-fueled attacks against people of Indian origin from across the US; close on the heels of the shooting death of Olathe based Indian Engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla at a Kansas bar.

    On March 3 night a 39-year-old Sikh man working on his car in his driveway was approached by a masked gunman in Kent, Washington State. Following a brief altercation, the gunman yelled ‘Go back to your country’ before shooting the victim in his arm and running away. The victim’s injuries are considered not life threatening. The gunman has been described as a stocky, 6-foot-tall white man wearing a mask over the bottom part of his face. Kent police chief said the department is investigating whether this was a possible hate crime against the Sikh community.

    Family members of the victims in the Kansas shooting expressed fears about the current atmosphere in the US. They directly attributed this to President Trump’s negative rhetoric against immigrants. The White House disputed that claim. In his first State of the Union address President Trump condemned as ‘hate and evil’ the killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Indian Americans who lived through the aftermath of the 911-terror attack have noticed a higher uptick in racial persecution and verbal abuses since the 2016 election.

    The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) expressed their concern about the incidents. USINPAC Chairman, Sanjay Puri, affirmed, “USINPAC urges the Trump administration to strongly condemn the hate fueled attacks on Indian Americans and to take firm steps to mitigate the negative atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing among racial and ethnic minorities in the country. We are urging concrete steps by the Department of Justice and to address the community”

  • Indian American girl racially abused in New York train

    Indian American girl racially abused in New York train

    NEW YORK (TIP): In yet another incident against an Indian American, the same day when an Indian American engineer was shot dead in an apparent hate crime in Olathe, Kansas, an Indian American girl living in New York faced discrimination. Ekta Desai was racially profiled and yelled at by a stranger on a PATH train.

    One her Facebook post, Desai posted a video of the incident and said that she was confronted by an abusive racist man on the train.

    “So, this is something that happened while I was on my way from work today!! This man was on the same PATH train as me along with 100 other passengers, I had my headphones on and was like any other day. Next thing I know he is yelling on my face (Did not bother to listen/react). Knowing it’s pointless I step away, next target alongside an Asian lady!” Desai wrote.

    When she said, she will approach the cops, the man was heard saying in the video, “I did not touch anybody. I just expressed what I feel. Freedom of speech.”

    “Not sure the cops found him or even took any action, though they showed up 15 mins after all this drama and he walked away with his friends!” she added.

    Within six days, her video got more than 49,000 views and is being widely discussed after Srinivas Kuchibhotla’s death.

     

  • Jewish centers in US cope with bomb threats; graves vandalized

    Jewish centers in US cope with bomb threats; graves vandalized

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Rabbi Joshua Bolton of the University of Pennsylvania’s Hillel center surveys damaged headstones at Mount Carmel Cemetery on Feb. 27, 2017, in Philadelphia.

    Jewish centers and schools across the nation coped with another wave of bomb threats Monday as officials in Philadelphia made plans to repair and restore hundreds of vandalized headstones at a Jewish cemetery.

    Jewish Community Centers and day schools in at least a dozen states received threats, according to the JCC Association of North America. No bombs were found. All 21 buildings 13 community centers and eight schools were cleared by Monday afternoon and had resumed normal operations, the association said.

    It was the fifth round of bomb threats against Jewish institutions since January, prompting outrage and exasperation among Jewish leaders as well as calls for an aggressive federal response to put a stop to it.

    “The Justice Department, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the White House, alongside Congress and local officials, must speak out and speak out forcefully against this scourge of anti-Semitism impacting communities across the country,” said David Posner, an official with JCC Association of North America. “Members of our community must see swift and concerted action from federal officials to identify and capture the perpetrator or perpetrators who are trying to instill anxiety and fear in our communities.”

    The FBI and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are probing the threats. (AP)

     

  • Indian man’s house trashed with dog poop, racial messages

    Indian man’s house trashed with dog poop, racial messages

    PEYTON (TIP): An incident of possible hate crime has come to light in a US town where a house of an Indian man was trashed with eggs, dog poop and hate messages.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case which took place in Southern Colorado on February 6.

    Authorities believe it was the work of group of people because of the all the damage.

    According to reports in Denver media, hateful messages and racial slurs were sprawled all over the home of the Indian man.

    The homeowner said that around 50 papers were stuck everywhere on his door, window and car and added that the unidentified group had thrown at least like 40 eggs on his house.

    He further said that racial slur like ‘You brown or Indian shouldn’t be here,’ was also written outside the house.

    The homeowner says despite the hate, he was reminded of compassion. He says his neighbours came together and completely cleaned up the house for him.

    Earlier, an Indian engineer has been shot to dead in Kansas, U.S. in an alleged racial attack, after the gunman was heard shouting “get out of my country” – (ANI)

    Hate Crimes on the rise