Title: Second Sikh Individual in New York Assaulted Following Car Accident
Subtitle: Victim’s Family Calls for Hate Crime Charge Against Suspect
Date: [Current Date]
Location: New Delhi
A tragic incident in Queens, New York has left the Sikh community shaken as a 66-year-old Sikh man, Jasmer Singh, died from head injuries sustained in an assault following a car accident. This marks the second attack on a Sikh individual in New York within a week.
The incident occurred when Singh and 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin’s vehicles collided in Queens. After the collision, Singh attempted to call 911, but a man prevented him and took his phone, saying, ‘No police, no police.’ Singh pursued Augustin to retrieve his phone, leading to an argument.
As Singh walked back to his car with his phone, he was viciously assaulted by Augustin, who delivered three punches to his head and face. Singh fell to the ground, suffering fatal head injuries. Augustin fled the scene, but was later apprehended and charged with manslaughter and assault. He is currently being held without bail after his arraignment.
Singh’s mourning family is now demanding hate crime charges against Augustin. In an interview with CBS New York, Multani, Singh’s son, described his father as an educated, noble, and simple person who had come to the United States from India to provide for his family. Multani firmly believed that his father’s appearance as a turbaned Sikh was the main motive behind the attack.
While the charges against Augustin include manslaughter and assault, they were not classified as a hate crime. Multani emphasized that his father was targeted due to his religious attire and called for the safety of the Sikh community.
In response to the incident, New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to protect the Sikh community and strongly denounced the attack. He expressed his condolences to Singh’s family and promised that the city will reject the hatred that took an innocent life. Mayor Adams pledged to work with Sikh leaders to address the specific needs of the community during this challenging period.
Earlier, a 19-year-old Sikh boy was assaulted on a bus in Richmond Hill while on his way to a Gurudwara. The perpetrator, Christopher Philippeaux, was arraigned and is facing charges of assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.
Singh’s tragic death has highlighted the need for increased security and awareness within the Sikh community. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that justice will be served, and measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of the Sikh community and all minority groups.