New Delhi: An elderly Sikh man has died in New York after an alleged assault on him last week, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to vow Sunday that the city would protect its Sikh community.
Jasmer Singh, 66, died of head injuries after reportedly being pummelled by a 30-year-old man following a car accident Thursday.
On Sunday, Adams said Singh “loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death”. “I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you,” Adams added.
He also informed that a team from the Mayor’s office would meet Sikh leaders this week to “discuss the needs of this critical community in this challenging moment”.
Elderly Sikh man beaten to death by 30-year-old perpetrator in Queens following a car accident. Whether it was road rage, a hate crime, or both, what an awful incident. I don’t feel good about our current social climate at all. https://t.co/r4I9aJY4dT
— Asad أسد ?? (@AsadFromNYC) October 23, 2023
In recent developments, the city has also seen the introduction of new street names that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian community, including Guru Nanak Way and Ganesh Temple Street, which symbolize the growing recognition of these communities in New York.
The New York Daily News reported that the cars Singh and Gilbert Augustin were driving collided in Kew Gardens Thursday noon, which resulted in dents and scratches on both vehicles.
When Singh tried to call emergency services, witnesses heard the man say, “no police, no police” and watched as he snatched the phone from Singh’s hands while he was still in his car.
Singh then got out and followed Augustin as he tried to get back his phone. After getting it back, he turned towards his car but was attacked by the 30-year-old. Augustin punched him three times in the head and face, which caused Singh to crash on the road and injure his head further.
He was taken to a hospital in critical condition where he died.
Augustin, meanwhile, hopped back into his Ford Mustang and took off, the report said. He has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and assault.
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