Editor’s note: This article was corrected after a Friday media release incorrectly stated Harjit Singh Rai’s age as 89 instead of 91.
A Calgary MP is speaking out after he says an elderly man in his constituency was injured in an “unprovoked attack.” He said he believes the man was targeted because he is Sikh.
Deepak Obhrai, Conservative MP for Calgary Forest Lawn, said in a Friday news conference Harjit Singh Rai, 91, was attacked in the parking lot of the No Frills grocery store at 5401 Temple Drive N.E at 1:15 p.m. on March 16.
He said the man was pushed repeatedly until he fell to the ground and the turban he was wearing was knocked from his head.
Calgary police confirmed in a Friday statement they’ve charged one man with assault in connection with the incident.
Police said the suspect fled into the store before officers arrived. He was arrested while trying to return to his car.
“We thought about this after discussing with the family and we feel he was attacked because he was Sikh,” Rai’s son Suratim said Friday.
He said he believed the attacker was in his mid 40s.
Obhrai said he believes this was a hate crime but that he hasn’t discussed that possibility with police.
The Calgary Police Service said the case will be reviewed by the hate crimes coordinator next week “to determine if hate was a motivation for the incident.”
WATCH BELOW: Calgary police define ‘hate crime’ according to Criminal Code
CPS said investigators would not lay an additional charge if it is determined to be a hate crime, but that it could be considered an aggravating factor if the case goes to sentencing.
“We are letting police do their own investigation… but to us, Mr. Rai was definitely targeted because he was Sikh,” Obhrai said.
Rai was treated for minor injuries, according to police. His family said he was taken to hospital but is recovering at home.
His son said people in the area saw what happened and stepped in to help.
“There are always nice people and bad people as well,” Rai said. “My dad personally thanked whoever helped him. We live in a respectful environment and we expect the same.”
Obhrai said he has known Rai, who is a local businessman in northeast Calgary, for many years.
“It’s absolutely important that when these incidents happen we highlight it and expose it, so that we can then address the issue of how to address the intolerance that exists,” Obhrai said.
-With files from Global News’ Sarah Offin
Comments