Hindu Priest Attacked in New York -Sadhana Calls for Investigation

Hindu Priest Attacked in New York -Sadhana Calls for Investigation

Hindu Priest Attacked in New York -Sadhana Calls for Investigation

CAIR blames President Trump for the rise in hate crimes

A man has been accused of attacking a Hindu priest in New York. Faith groups have been pushing for charges to be pressed against the man. A statement was released by the progressive Hindu group, Sadhana, on Sunday. The statement says that “Bigotry and xenophobia does not distinguish between Hindus and Muslims, or black or brown skin.” The statement also read that “When the US President targets immigrants and refugees and encourages chants of “send her back” at rallies, this results in real harm inflicted on our communities.”

Hindu Priest Attacked in New York -Sadhana Calls for Investigation[/tweetthis]

The group has asked the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to investigate the brutal beating that 62-year-old Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji had to go through.

Swami Puri Ji said that he was in his religious attire on July 18 and walking next to the Shiv Shakti Peeth in Glen Oaks where a man snuck up behind him and started beating him. After being beaten, Swami Puri Ji was escorted to a hospital where he was kept until his release the next day. In an interview with a local news station, Swami Puri Ji can be seen with several injuries.

He said to PX11 that he had some. It is reported that his attacker yelled, “this is my neighborhood” during the attack. The police have arrested Sergio Gouveia, 52, on suspicion of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment. The police still haven’t said whether the crime was a hate crime or not as they are still investigating.

The CAIR-NY (Council on American-Islamic Relations-New York) has issued a statement condemning Trump’s rhetoric. They claim that Trump’s rhetoric has led to a rise in hate crimes in America. CAIR-NY has said that they stand with their Hindu brethren during this hardship. They also said that nobody should have to suffer assault because of their faith or the color of their skin.

Resources

Follow the Conversation on Twitter