Sikh man attacked in US: Akal Takht acting Jathedar seeks strict action, says ‘incident must be recorded as hate crime’
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, urged Sikh groups in the US to increase public awareness about Sikh identity and to seek support from the SGPC when needed.
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Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. (File)Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, on Wednesday called for strict punishment for the accused in the alleged hate crime attack on a 70-year-old Sikh in the United States.
Last week, Harpal Singh was walking near Saticoy Street and Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, California, when a man on a bicycle attacked him with a golf club, causing serious injuries, US media reported. While Singh has undergone three surgeries and remains critical, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a suspect.
“This incident must be recorded as a hate crime, and the motive should be made public,” Gargajj said. He also referred to the FBI’s 2024 hate crime report, which recorded 153 incidents targeting Sikhs, making them the third most-targeted religious group in the US.
Gargajj urged Sikh organisations in the US to increase public awareness about Sikh identity and to seek support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib when needed. “Sikhs living in the USA should unite, raise their voice with local authorities, and demand enhanced security measures,” he said.
Jathedar Gargajj also advised Sikhs abroad to remain alert, be equipped for self-defence, and avoid sending elderly family members out alone. “An attack on one Sikh is an attack on the entire community. Such incidents must be dealt with collectively and seriously,” he said.
He also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to ensure, through the Indian mission in the US, that the assault is officially classified as a hate crime and that strong action is taken against the accused.
Jathedar Gargajj assured Singh’s family that the Akal Takht Sahib and the Sikh community “stand with them” and directed the SGPC to liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs on the matter.
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