Sikh international student overwhelmed by outpouring of support after assault in Kelowna. B.C.
An international student from India who is recovering after being beaten at a bus stop in Kelowna, B.C., in an incident that is being probed as a potential hate crime says he has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support.
Gagandeep Singh, who is Sikh, was allegedly swarmed by a group of people who tore off his turban and dragged him across the sidewalk by his hair last Friday night.
A GoFundMe that was set up over the weekend to help the young man cover his living expenses and medical costs has since raised over $22,000. In a message, Singh said the contributions and kind messages from strangers have reminded him why he chose to come to the country to study.
"The last few days have been very difficult for me. I am at home resting and recovering from the attack. I really appreciate the support across Canada from everyone," he wrote in an update on the fundraising page which has since stopped accepting contributions.
"Thank you for your donations over the last two days, they are above and beyond what I ever imagined."
The Kelowna RCMP are investigating the alleged assault, saying a group of between 12 and 15 people were involved and that the victim was followed off the bus and attacked from behind. On Tuesday, Mounties said they have contacted the B.C. Hate Crimes Team.
"The Kelowna RCMP have identified a suspect group, however no arrests have been made. While the motivation for the assault, and the details surrounding it, are still being investigated by police, the B.C. Hate Crimes Team has been consulted to ensure that any hate elements, if any, are properly identified and investigate," a statement from Mounties said.
Harkaran Singh, who is Gagandeep's roommate, told CTV News that his friend called him from the bis on the night of the assault, saying that people were harassing him on the bus. Soon after, Gagandeep called his roommate back.
"He said he's surrounded by multiple people. And that time they start attacking on him. He was disconnected for four or five minutes, and at that time, I called RCMP," Harkaran told CTV News.
After that, Harkaran hurried to the bus stop at Highway 97 and McCurdy Road where he found Gagandeep unconscious and missing his turban. The incident has left the community, particularly Gagandeep's friends and fellow international students, shaken and shocked.
"We need justice for Gagan," he said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Shannon Paterson and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.