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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.Supninder Singh Khehra, Victim
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.Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, Canada
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.
They were initially in a state of shock. [But after Trudeau’s statement] they have relaxed a bit.Supninder Singh Khehra
Investigations Continue
Two men were arrested by local police but one was later released, according to media reports.
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.Supninder Singh Khehra to CTV News
The entire incident was recorded on a cellphone. Investigations by the police are underway.
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