In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Langley Memorial Park, Slough, a Sikh man in his late 50s became the victim of a brutal attack by a group of boys, renewing concerns about the rise of hate crimes in our community.
The victim, identified as Inderjit Singh, was peacefully walking through the park when he was confronted by a group of boys. What started as a seemingly random encounter took a violent turn as one of the offenders attempted to grab Singh’s beard. The situation quickly escalated as the boys encircled him, kicking and forcefully pulling him to the ground.
Thames Valley Police, who initially treated the incident as a case of grievous bodily harm, have now officially classified it as a hate crime. Detective Constable Holly Baxter, the investigating officer based at Slough Police Station, issued a statement urging anyone with information to come forward.
“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area around the time of the incident on November 21, to please get in touch with the police,” said Detective Constable Holly Baxter.
The attackers, described as boys between the ages of 13 and 16, fled towards Marish School following the assault. Inderjit Singh bore the brunt of the attack, suffering three broken ribs along with swelling and cuts to his hand. Prompt medical attention was sought, and Singh was subsequently discharged from the hospital.
This disturbing incident underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance against hate crimes targeting individuals based on their religious or cultural identity. The Sikh community, known for its resilience and commitment to peace, is now grappling with the consequences of an unprovoked attack.
Community leaders and advocates have condemned the assault, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and unity in a diverse society. Local organizations are working in collaboration with law enforcement to address the root causes of such incidents and promote inclusivity.
As the police continue their investigation, the hope is that witnesses will come forward with valuable information that can lead to the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators. This incident serves as a stark reminder that collective efforts are required to combat hate and intolerance, ensuring that our communities remain safe for everyone.
