A case of racial assault and gang rape of an Indian origin girl has surfaced in Oldbury Park, UK. A 20-year-old Sikh woman was raped in the daylight at about 8:30 am on Tuesday. The attack was not just sexual but involved racial abuses as well, and for this reason, the police are treating the case as a racial hate crime.
The victim reported to the police that in the course of assault, the assailants reprimanded her to "go back to your country, you have no right to be here." On hearing her testimony, there is outrage and worry within the local community.
As per investigations by the police until now, two men were the perpetrators. The suspects have been described as white (English). One was heavy and clean-shaven, sporting a black sweatshirt and gloves. The second suspect had a grey top with a silver zip. Their identities were determined through CCTV footage.
West Midlands Police have increased the pace of checking CCTV images, while the forensic officials continue with the investigation.
They are completely aware of the anger and fear caused by the incident among the people, a police spokesperson said, and assured that all possible efforts are being employed to ensure justice to the victim and catch the culprits.
The UK Sikh Federation condemned the attack vociferously and called for prompt government action. Davinderjit Singh, lead executive of the Federation, stated, "We call on all political parties to publicly denounce this inhumane attack." He went on to criticize the current political atmosphere as being a product of populism and anti-immigration politics. Singh also asked Sikhs residing in the UK to stay alert.
Labour Party MP Gurinder Singh Josan called the attack "horrific" on social media and offered support to the victim. The MP has confirmed that police have opened an investigation into the incident as a hate crime. MP Josan also said the victim is traumatized and in shock, and so the speed and nature of the police response is being determined by her desires.
