A Sikh student from India suffered a violent assault at the hands of racists in Kelowna, who was brutalized and had his turban ripped off on the night of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. And the Sikh community is calling for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

KELOWNA – A Sikh student from India suffered a violent assault at the hands of racists in Kelowna, who was brutalized and had his turban ripped off on the night of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. And the Sikh community is calling for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime.

According to Kelowna city councillor, Mohini Singh, the assault happened near a bus stop at the corner of McCurdy Road and Highway 97 around 10:30 p.m., reported Global News.

“He boarded bus 97 which was heading north towards Rutland. There was a group of approximately 12 to 15 young people (male and female) on the bus who were creating a ruckus and throwing a wig around,” said Coun. Singh in a press release.

A member of the group threw the wig at the victim, Gagandeep Singh, who asked them to stop, the councillor continued. “When they didn’t he threatened to call the RCMP.”

“He said I’m going to call the cops and later on they settled down. Even the bus driver gave them a warning, just don’t make a mess on the bus. They didn’t listen to him either. Later on, once Gagandeep got dropped, they followed him,” said Gagandeep’s friends, Navsher Sandhu.

The man and group of young people reportedly got off the bus at McCurdy, where he was then surrounded and “savagely beaten.”

Singh said the man suffered injuries to his chest, mouth, arms and legs after being kicked and punched a number of times by the group. His turban was also removed and was dragged on the ground by his hair.

“He was thrown on the ground and left. The international student called his friend for help,” Coun. Singh said.

“Gagandeep Singh is at home barely able to move. He is so shaken up he is afraid to face the camera or speak to anyone. His friends say this is clearly a hate crime and should be investigated as one.”

“Everybody is feeling unsafe,” says friend Navsher Singh Sandhu. “He got pulled by his hair, all along the mud. They took his turban. That’s totally a hate crime.”

Gagandeep’s roommate Hartarn Singh says his parents back home in India are worried about his safety now.

“It could happen to anybody here. If we are not safe here then what can we do for our safety?" he said.

The victim was taken to the hospital and was released to recover at home.

“The individual was targeted because of his race. He has a turban he has full facial hair, the turban was ripped off, and the hair was pulled off. The turban itself we have not been able to locate it, it was taken. We feel that was the sole reason,” said Kelowna Lawyer, Bal Grewal.

Friends of Gagandeep have organized a GoFundMe page to help him with recovery costs. The international student has lived in Kelowna for a year.

"Kelowna is a welcoming and diverse community, filled with residents who are full of love and compassion," the page states. "Together we can show that there's no place for hate and violence in our community."

According to Coun. Singh, RCMP are aware of the incident and are investigating.

“This is absolutely disgusting and a horrible attack on an innocent person,” Coun. Singh said.

“This kind of racism is unacceptable. This is not what we will accept in Kelowna. It is so, so wrong.”

Kelowna RCMP confirmed the report Sunday.

“The Kelowna RCMP take this very serious and are concerned that this type of crime has happened in our city. This assault is the top priority for our investigators,” said Kelowna RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera in a press release

Police are reaching out to the public, seeking any witnesses or dashcam footage. Those who haven't spoken with police can contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file 2023-14407. Those looking to leave an anonymous tip can contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online.