Fundraiser for Indian international student following violent racist attack. What are Kelowna RCMP doing?

Gagandeep Singh laying in bed surrounded by friends. Photo: GoFundMe

A GoFundMe has been started for a Sikh international student in Kelowna who was brutally attacked by a group of people at a bus stop at about 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17 near Highway 97 and McCurdy Road.

The student, Gagandeep Singh, suffered injuries to his chest, mouth, arms and legs after he was attacked by a group of people after leaving the bus, according to the GoFundMe set up by a community member, Adam Wilson, and a student, Aman Hundal.

One media report said that his turban was knocked off and he was dragged by his hair.

The GoFundMe had raised $9,571 of its $10,000 goal by Sunday (March 19) night.

According to Kelowna media reports, a group that was teasing the victim struck him from behind and assaulted him when he got off a bus. He was treated by BC Ambulance and transported to hospital.

It remains to be seen what the Kelowna RCMP will do.

Kelowna City Councillor Mohini Singh has condemned the racist attack and has demanded that it be investigated as a hate crime.

The GoFundMe notes: “As an international student who has only been in Kelowna for a year, he needs the community’s help. Even with a strong support system, he won’t be able to work, and as an international student will have medical bills, rent, tuition and more.”

It adds: “Kelowna is a welcoming and diverse community, filled with residents who are full of love and compassion. Together we can show that there’s no place for hate and violence in our community.

“With your support, we can help ensure that during Gagandeep’s road to recovery, he doesn’t need to worry about where the money will come from to pay for physio, food, rent or even to have his parents fly to Kelowna from India to see him.”

 

ON Monday, Conservative MP Dan Albas (Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola) condemned “this cowardly race based attack” in Parliament. He tweeted: “Racism, hate and violence have no place in our communities.”