Harbhajan Singh condemns attack on elderly Sikh man in US, calls for swift justice
American Sikh Council also demands swift action against the accused
4 min read
“Targeting someone because of his faith, ethnicity, or appearance is a vile and cowardly act. This was an attack on the values of humanity, diversity, tolerance and mutual respect that hold societies together. (Credit: Creative Commons)Expressing “deep concern and outrage” over the brutal assault on 70-year-old Sikh man Harpal Singh in the US’s North Hollywood, former Indian cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh Tuesday calling the incident “an attack not just on the victim but on the values of humanity, diversity and mutual respect”.
Harbhajan shared a purported video of the incident on his X handle, allegedly showing the elderly man covered in blood sitting on the ground, and stated: “I am deeply shocked and outraged by the horrific hate crime in North Hollywood, where a 70-year-old Sikh man Shri Harpal Singh was brutally assaulted, leaving him in a medically induced coma.
“Targeting someone because of his faith, ethnicity, or appearance is a vile and cowardly act. This was an attack on the values of humanity, diversity, tolerance and mutual respect that hold societies together.
“It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime face the full weight of the law. I strongly urge @POTUS and U.S. authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly. Justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done.
“My thoughts, prayers, and unwavering solidarity are with Harpal Ji and his family during this unimaginably painful time. Wishing him strength and recovery.”
According to reports, a few days ago, a cyclist violently attacked Harpal Singh. According to local police, an eyewitness confirmed the incident, but no suspect has yet been identified.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the attacker.
According to US media reports, the incident occurred around 3 pm on August 4 when an unidentified man assaulted Singh near a convenience store. It is learnt that Harpal Singh, who lives near Lankershim Gurdwara in North Hollywood, is a retired mathematics professor.
According to the American Sikh Council (ASC), which expressed deep concern, “Prof Singh, a quiet man of devoted nature, is currently admitted to Providence Holy Cross Medical Centre in a critical condition. Doctors have performed at least three surgeries so far, including procedures to remove blood from his brain and to treat injuries to his eyes.”
He remains semi-conscious in the ICU, say reports from the US.
“He sustained severe head and facial injuries and was targeted due to his faith, ethnicity and appearance. Locals described Singh as a gentle soul often seen feeding birds in a nearby park and participating in community service, such as preparing langar and reciting prayers at the gurdwara. It is unimaginable that anyone would deliberately harm him,” a victim’s relative told mediapersons.
Harbhajan condemned the assault as a “hate crime” and urged law enforcement agencies in the US to take swift and strict action. “Such attacks not only affect the victim and their family but also cause deep mental and emotional distress to the entire community,” Harbhajan said, adding that authorities must send a strong message that hatred has no place in any society.
Citing FBI data, the ASC said, “A total of 142 hate crimes were reported against Sikh Americans in 2024, making them the third most targeted community in the US.”
ASC president Bibi Jasbir Kaur said, “The act is not only condemnable but also calls for swift action from law enforcement authorities against the accused. The entire community condemns such acts and stands united to ensure the safety and dignity of all Sikhs.”
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