Man arrested for racially aggravated rape of Indian-origin student in UK

The assault allegedly occurred around 7.15 pm (BST) on October 25, when the victim, identified as a Punjabi student recently settled in the United Kingdom (UK), was walking alone through a dimly lit street. The police said the attack was accompanied by the use of racial slurs and classified it as a “racially aggravated” offence from the outset, a category under UK law that increases the severity of the crime because of its discriminatory motive.

Residents called emergency services after the young woman was found on the pavement. Paramedics attended to her immediately while the police cordoned off the area. Officers from the Public Protection Unit began a swift search for witnesses and CCTV evidence in nearby residential blocks.

By Sunday morning, investigators had isolated footage showing a man in a dark hoodie and trousers loitering near the spot minutes before the assault. The images, released publicly, prompted dozens of tips and led officers to the suspect within 24 hours.

The assault comes just months after a British Sikh woman in her twenties was raped by two men on September 9 in Sandwell. The attack, also deemed to be racially aggravated, involved the assailants hurling slurs at the victim. Two suspects were later arrested and released on bail.

Detective Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, who is leading the investigation, described the latest arrest as “a significant development” in what he called “a deeply distressing case.”

Phil Dolby, Chief Superintendent, Walsall Police, told reporters that the incident had “deeply affected the town’s sense of safety.” Additional patrols and community liaison officers have been deployed across Park Hall and nearby neighbourhoods. “We stand with every member of our community targeted because of who they are,” he said.

The attack has led to outrage among the community and rights groups. The Sikh Federation UK described it as “the second racially aggravated sexual assault on a young Punjabi woman in Walsall within two months” and demanded a broader investigation into hate-motivated crime in the region.

Outside the local gurdwara, dozens gathered on Monday evening in a candlelight vigil for the survivor. “This is not just about one woman,” said Harpreet Singh, spokesperson for the federation. “It is about protecting every member of a community that should feel safe, valued and equal.”

Across Walsall’s tightly knit South Asian neighbourhoods, residents expressed both solidarity and fear.

With a population of around 2,80,000 and a South Asian community comprising nearly one-fifth of its residents, Walsall has long been hailed for its diversity.

Chief Superintendent Dolby said the police will hold town hall meetings and anti-hate workshops with faith representatives. “Walsall is at its best when its people stand together,” he said. “We will not allow those who trade in fear to define our streets.”

The road where Saturday’s attack took place is still cordoned off as the police continue their forensic examination.

The incident comes just a month after women leaders from across West London came together at Southall Town Hall on September 20 to demand justice for the British Sikh woman who was raped in Sandwell. The solidarity gathering, attended by Ealing councillors Jasbir Anand, Aysha Raza, Faduma Mohamed, Dee Martin, and Hillingdon councillor Kamalpreet Kaur, called for urgent action against racist and gender-based violence.