A 20-year-old Sikh woman was raped, beaten and assaulted by two white men in Oldbury near Birmingham, UK, in what police called a “racially aggravated attack”. The attackers also hurled racist comments at her asking the survivor to go back to her country and that she did not belong in the United Kingdom. The incident has sparked outrage amid attacks on immigrants in the country.
“The woman has told us that a racist remark was made to her during the attack,” a police spokesperson said, reports stated. Local Sikh groups have voiced their concerns around their safety. Sikh Federation (UK) claimed that during the attack, the rapists shouted at her: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”
West Midlands Police said they received a call just before 8.30 am on Sept 9 after the woman reported being attacked in the area around Tame Road. The alleged attack took place in a park area, and hurled racial comments at the woman like – “Go back to your country”.
According to an Indian Express report, the woman, a British Person of Indian origin (PIO), managed to report the incident shortly after the crime took place.
What police said
As the complaint was filed shortly after the crime occurred, the police were able to act swiftly, In a statement, the West Midlands police emphasised the seriousness of the case.
“We’re investigating after a woman reported to us that she had been raped in Oldbury in what we are treating as a racially aggravated attack,” the statement read. The cops have encouraged witnesses to contact them via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log number 988 of September 9, the IE report added
The Guardian cited sources, and said the incident is being treated as a hate crime, especially because of words the attackers said during the attack.
“We are keen to speak with anyone in the area who may have seen two men,” the police said. They also gave information about the rapists for a faster arrest.
“The two men are described as being white. One had a shaved head, heavy build, and was reported to be wearing a dark-coloured sweatshirt and had gloves on. The second man was reportedly wearing a grey top with a silver zip,” the police added.
Hate crimes against immigrants
Hate crimes against immigrants have always been a concerning issue in the UK. A recent unprovoked attack on two British Sikh taxi drivers, Satnam Singh (64), and Jasbir Sangha (72), on Aug 15 outside Wolverhampton station had also raised concerns over the community’s safety.
In the attack, Singh’s turban was ripped off. British Transport Police said they were treating that as a racially aggravated assault.