Elderly Sikh men attacked in UK's Wolverhampton, turban ‘removed forcibly'; 3 arrested

Hindustan Times

3 hours ago

Three people have reportedly been arrested over the racially-aggravated assault on two elderly Sikh men outside Wolverhampton Railway Station last Friday, August 15. One of the victims can be seen in the video laying on the floor without his turban, while another can be seen getting kicked and punched.(X/@officeofssbadal)
British Transport Police (BTP), cited in a BBC report, said it was aware of a purported video of the attack surfacing online, showing the two victims getting assaulted.
One of the victims can be seen in the video laying on the floor without his turban, while another can be seen getting kicked and punched.
In the video, a woman can be heard saying, 'These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men.'
Viewer warning: Disturbing visuals
'What are you doing!' the woman, seemingly capturing the video, then shouts.
The attack took place at about 13.45 BST on Friday.
The victims were taken to hospital for treatment and were discharged later.
The suspects, aged 17, 19 and 25, were bailed pending further inquiries, according to the BBC report.
The assault drew sharp reactions from Sikh leaders in India and even Sikh Federation, a UK-based Sikh rights body, which on Monday condemned the the racist attack.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal took to X and said he strongly condemns the horrific attack during the course of which 'one Sikh's turban was removed forcibly.'
This racist hate crime targets the Sikh community, which always seeks Sarbat Da Bhala (the well-being of all), Sukhbir Badal wrote in his post, adding that the community deserves safety and respect worldwide.
He urged West Midlands Police and the UK Home Office to act swiftly and also appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to raise this issue with the British government to ensure the safety of the Sikh diaspora.
'Meanwhile, I appeal to all Sikh brethren settled abroad to support each other in this hour of need,' he wrote.
The Sikh Federation said in a statement that the elderly gentlemen, both local taxi drivers, were on duty outside the station.
"A group of three white men exited the station and approached one of the drivers and demanded to be taken to Oldbury. One of the drivers told us they were very rude and abusive and ordered him to take them. He explained that the system does not work this way and that they would have to go into the taxi rank and book from there. But they were not interested or listening, instead they continued with their swearing and abuse,' an Indian Express report quoted the UK body's statement.