PM Justin Trudeau Condemns Physical Assault on Sikh Man in Canada

Trudeau says there is no place for such ‘hateful acts’ in Canada.

The victim of hate crime Supninder Singh (left) and PM Justin Trudeau. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/AP)

29-year-old Supninder Singh Khehra, an Indo-Canadian Sikh was allegedly assaulted by four drunk men in Quebec City last weekend. It appears to be a racially-charged attack and this has drawn the attention of Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Khehra, originally from Patiala currently resides in Brampton, Toronto.

The Hindustan Times reports that Khehra was kicked and punched in the eye before he fell to the ground. He said the attack was directed at his race, focusing on the turban he was wearing.

I seriously feel depressed, I feel very bad about what happened. I’ve never experienced anything like this. Physically, I’m trying to recover, but mentally I’m thinking of the event more and more. I’m a bit worried about the safety of older men and young children of our community. 

<b>Supninder Singh Khehra, Victim</b>

Supninder Singh. (Photo Courtesy: Hindustan Times)

Trudeau Condemns Racial Attacks

Trudeau condemned the attack on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, US.

We stand clearly against the kind of discrimination and intolerance that represents.

<b>Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, Canada</b>

Trudeau went on to emphasise that there is no place for such ‘hateful acts’ in Canada. Khehra responded that he was ‘thankful to the Prime Minister’ for speaking about the issue.

The recently married market analyst didn’t tell his family about the attack as they were in India. He eventually told them when the issue went public.

Trudeau says there is no place in Canada for such ‘hateful acts’. (Photo: AP)

They were initially in a state of shock. [But after Trudeau’s statement] they have relaxed a bit.&nbsp;

<b>Supninder Singh Khehra</b>

Investigations Continue

Two men were arrested by local police but one was later released, according to media reports.

A screengrab of the men assaulting Khehra. (Photo: Twitter/@SikhProf)

Most of the verbal abuses were in French, said Khehra adding that the attackers pointed at his turban.

It was all because of my race, my colour and the headgear I was wearing.

<b>Supninder Singh Khehra to CTV News</b>

The entire incident was recorded on a cellphone. Investigations by the police are underway.