66-Year-Old Sikh Man Dies After Assault Following Car Accident in New York
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New Delhi – In a tragic incident, a 66-year-old Sikh man named Jasmer Singh passed away due to severe head injuries sustained during an assault in New York. This marks the second attack against a Sikh individual in the city within a week. Singh was allegedly assaulted by 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin after their vehicles collided in Queens.
The collision between Singh and Augustin’s cars resulted in damage to both vehicles. As Singh tried to call 911 for assistance, an unidentified man prevented him, instructing him not to involve the police and taking away his phone. Singh, determined to retrieve his phone, pursued Augustin, leading to an argument between the two.
While walking back to his car, Singh was brutally punched multiple times in the head and face by Augustin. The forceful blows caused him to fall to the ground and sustain a critical head injury. Augustin fled the scene, leaving Singh in a critical condition. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his brain injury.
Following his arraignment in Queens on Saturday, Augustin was charged with manslaughter and assault. He is currently being held without bail. Reports have revealed that Augustin had a suspended driver’s license and that his Alabama license plate did not match his New York registration.
In the wake of this tragedy, Singh’s grieving family called for hate crime charges against the accused in an interview with CBS New York. Multani, Singh’s son, described his father as an educated, noble, and simple person who had immigrated to the United States from India to support his family. Multani firmly believes that his father’s appearance as a turbaned Sikh was the primary motive behind the brutal attack.
“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,” Multani stated. He further pleaded for the safety of the Sikh community, urging authorities to take action so that no one else would have to experience the loss his family is currently enduring.
In another incident prior to Singh’s assault, a 19-year-old Sikh boy was attacked on a bus in Richmond Hill. The suspect, Christopher Philippeaux, punched the teenager and attempted to remove his turban while making derogatory remarks about his attire. Philippeaux has been charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned these acts of violence and promised to protect the Sikh community. He expressed his condolences to Singh’s family and assured them that the hatred that took his life would be rejected. Mayor Adams stated that his administration would engage in discussions with Sikh leaders to address the specific needs of the community during this challenging period.