Punjabi truck driver from Surrey was allegedly subjected to racist remarks about his attire before being assaulted in Edmonton, prompting police to launch an investigation into the incident.
The driver, identified as Talwinder Singh Atwal, had travelled to Edmonton to deliver a Walmart shipment when the alleged incident took place on August 6.
Speaking on a television programme, Atwal said he was unloading goods from his truck when a man and a woman passing by allegedly made inappropriate and offensive comments about his attire.
Atwal said he initially ignored the remarks. However, when the pair continued making comments, he confronted them and asked why they were concerned about what he was wearing.
According to Atwal, the confrontation escalated when the two allegedly became aggressive. He said one of them struck him on the neck and pushed him aside, after which both allegedly assaulted him.
He said the incident happened suddenly and that before he could fully understand what was happening, the two individuals left the area after allegedly making further offensive remarks and assaulting him.
Atwal said he initially tried to put the incident behind him, but the emotional impact of what happened eventually led him to speak publicly about it and report the matter to police.
A police spokesperson reportedly confirmed that an incident had taken place and said an investigation was underway. Police are also examining CCTV footage from cameras around the location in an effort to identify the alleged suspects.
The incident has once again raised concerns over racial harassment and discrimination faced by members of the South Asian community in Canada.