4 days ago
Gardaí investigate alleged racist attack on Indian girl (6) generating world headlines
Six-year-old Nia Naveen was allegedly attacked by a group of boys aged 12 to 14 while playing outside her home in Waterford city on Monday.
Gardaí have confirmed that they responded to report of an alleged assault in the Kilbarry area of Waterford city on the evening of Monday, August 4. 'No further details are available at this time. Investigations are ongoing,' said a Garda spokesperson.
The gang allegedly punched her in the face, hit her with a bicycle, and shouted racial slurs at the child.
Nia's mother, Anupa Achuthan, a nurse originally from Kerala in southern India, has shared details of the ordeal, saying how her daughter returned home in tears.
The assault has shocked the Indian community and comes amid growing concerns about racist violence. The incident follows similar recent attacks in Dublin's Tallaght and Clondalkin areas.
Kranthi Ireland, a forum for Indians in Ireland, said it 'condemns the racist and brutal attack on a six-year-old girl of our family in Waterford'.
'The child suffered bruises from the attack and is in trauma after being subjected to racial abuse, including being called a 'dirty Indian' and being told to 'go back to India.'
'This family had already reported the racist abuse - and was disregarded. We stand with the child and her family. We call for an thorough investigation and swift action by the government. We call for accountability - from the perpetrators, and from the authorities who did not act.
'We also appeal to all progressive minds, and to all who have love and compassion in their hearts, to stand with us - in solidarity, in action, and against hate. Ireland must never be a country where children live in fear and racism is allowed to grow.'
The Bharat Post, with a reported 1.6m readers, reported: 'Her mother, an Indian nurse who recently became an Irish citizen, says the child is now traumatised, refuses to go outside, and the family no longer feels safe in their neighbourhood. This is not just bullying, it's a hate crime. And it's not an isolated case. Racist assaults against Indians in Ireland are on the rise.'
Times Now, India's top English news channel with 7.4m followers, the Times of India, Mumbai Today, India News HD, The New Indian Express, Indians Daily and many other respected news outlets have also reported on the attack.
The Indian Embassy in Dublin has issued this advisory for its citizens. 'There has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently.
'The Embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned of Ireland in this regard. At the same time, all Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours.'
