News East West
NEW YORK: Sikh professor Prabhjot Singh, who teaches international and public affairs at Columbia University, underwent jaw surgery after he was attacked by a mob of over two dozen young hoodlums here on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Sikh was attacked just blocks away from his home in upper Manhattan by the mobsters who called him `terrorist’ and `Osama.’ The attackers pulled his beard and kicked him as he lay helpless on the pavement.
Prof Singh was walking with a friend when the goons pounced upon him. Some passersby intervened to stop the mobsters from attacking Prof Singh. He was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital where he had to undergo surgery on his jaw because of the severe damage.
New York Police Department said the attack occurred at about 8.15 PM on Saturday and its Hate Crime Task Force was investigating it as a hate crime after speaking to Prof Singh who has been discharged from hospital.
“There was a group of 25 to 30 young men. One of them said, ‘Get him, Osama. I got punched directly in the face about three times,’’ Prof Singh was quoted as saying by the New York Daily News.
Thanking the passersby who saved him, Prof Singh said, ““I’m grateful to them. It could have been a lot worse.”
Reports say the Sikh professor might have been targeted for writing about violence against Sikhs in America and explaining how they should not be confused with Muslims.
It is very unfortunate. These goons should know better. I wish Prabhjot Singh well. Balwant Sanghera
My empathies with the professor. I wish the professor would have groomed himself better with a neat turban and the appearance of an educated intellectual. Appearances count. He, perhaps, would have been taken as a polished Sikh gentleman. I have lot of respect for the professor.