Three Arrested After Shocking Racially-Aggravated Attack on Sikh Men in Wolverhampton
A disturbing video showing two elderly Sikh men being violently attacked outside Wolverhampton Railway Station has sparked outrage and led to the arrest of three suspects. Police confirmed that the assault, which took place on Friday, August 15, is being investigated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
British Transport Police (BTP), cited by the BBC, confirmed they were aware of a widely circulated video that captured the attack. The footage shows one victim lying on the ground with his turban knocked off beside him, while another is being kicked and punched by the assailants.
A woman who appeared to be filming the incident can be heard shouting, "These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men," before confronting the attackers and yelling, "What are you doing!" The assault occurred at approximately 1:45 pm (BST) on Friday. Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
According to the BBC, three men aged 17, 19, and 25 were arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released on bail while further inquiries are underway.
The brutal assault has triggered strong condemnation from Sikh leaders and organizations both in India and the UK.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed shock, writing on X that he “strongly condemns the horrific attack during the course of which one Sikh’s turban was removed forcibly.” He described the assault as a racist hate crime against a community that has always stood for Sarbat Da Bhala (the well-being of all).
Badal urged West Midlands Police and the UK Home Office to act quickly and called on India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to raise the issue with the British government to ensure the safety of the Sikh diaspora. “Meanwhile, I appeal to all Sikh brethren settled abroad to support each other in this hour of need,” he added.
Congress Punjab chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the attack, writing, “Appalled by the brutal attack on an elderly Sikh gentleman in Wolverhampton, England. This hate crime is a disturbing setback for inter-community harmony.” He too urged Jaishankar to take up the matter with the UK authorities.
The Sikh Federation UK, a leading rights group, identified the victims as local taxi drivers working outside Wolverhampton station. In a statement, the organization said that the trouble began when three white men left the station and demanded to be taken to Oldbury. When one of the Sikh drivers explained that taxis must be booked through the official rank system, the men became abusive.
"One of the drivers told us they were very rude and abusive and ordered him to take them. He explained that the system does not work this way and that they would have to go into the taxi rank and book from there. But they were not interested or listening, instead they continued with their swearing and abuse," the group said, as quoted by the Indian Express.
Police investigations into the hate crime are ongoing, while the incident continues to draw widespread condemnation from community leaders, rights groups, and political figures, who are demanding accountability and stronger protections for minority communities in the UK.
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