Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
THREEmen have been arrested following a shocking attack on two elderly Sikh men outside Wolverhampton Railway Station, which is now being investigated as a racially-aggravated hate crime.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed on Monday (18) that the assault took place on Friday (15). The victims, believed to be in their 60s and 70s, were taken to hospital after the incident and later discharged.
A disturbing 20-second video, widely circulated on social media, shows one of the Sikh men lying on the ground without his turban, while the other is kicked and punched. The video has been viewed over a million times and has sparked outrage both in the UK and abroad.
In a statement, BTP said: "We’re aware of a video on social media and understand the concern this will have caused in the community. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour on the railway network and have launched a full investigation."
The suspects, aged 17, 19 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated assault and have been released on bail while investigations continue.
The Sikh Federation UK, which spoke directly to the victims, described the attack as "vicious". According to the Federation, both men are local taxi drivers who were working outside the station when the assault happened.
"A group of three white men exited the station and approached one of the drivers, demanding to be taken to Oldbury," the organisation said. "They were rude, abusive, and ignored instructions to use the proper taxi rank. When the driver refused, they attacked him, and the second driver was assaulted when he tried to help."
The video also featured a bystander, believed to be a woman recording the incident, shouting: "These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men!" before yelling at the attackers to stop.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from Sikh leaders and political figures. India's Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal said on social media: "This racist hate crime targets the Sikh community, which always seeks Sarbat Da Bhala – the well-being of all." He added that one of the men's turbans was "forcibly removed", calling it a deeply disrespectful act.
Badal urged West Midlands Police and the UK Home Office to act swiftly, and also appealed to India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to take up the matter with the British government to ensure the safety of the Sikh diaspora.
India's opposition Congress party's Punjab state chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also condemned the incident, calling it a “disturbing setback for inter-community harmony” and demanded diplomatic action.
BTP said it is continuing to appeal for witnesses and further video evidence. Anyone with information is urged to contact them directly.
The Sikh community, both in the UK and internationally, has called for justice and greater protection for minorities following the incident.
A BRITISH Indian charity is building a sports and community complex in west London to strengthen local cultural ties. The project, known as the India Gardens Sports and Community Complex, is being developed by Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC) UK and is scheduled to open in June 2027, a statement said.
The 18-acre site in Northolt, valued at £1.1 million, has been designed as a modern hub for education, sport and social activities.
Approved by the Ealing council in 2018, it is one of the largest community-led developments of its kind in the area.
Once complete, India Gardens will provide 34,000 sq ft of internal facilities, including a cricket pavilion, sports hall, nursery, members’ lounge and multi-purpose spaces for weddings, exhibitions and cultural gatherings, the statement added. Outdoor areas will feature landscaped gardens, walking routes and sports fields.
SKLPC UK said the centre will serve both its 25,000 members from London and beyond, and it will also open its doors to schools, clubs and residents.
It described India Gardens as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to celebrate shared roots, while creating a space for learning and recreation.
Founded in 1972 by members of the Kutch Leva Patel community, SKLPC UK began as a group of migrants who met to preserve their traditions and mutual support networks.
The organisation opened its first Samaj Hall in West Hendon in 1980 and now operates centres in Bolton, Oldham, Cardiff and London. Over the decades, SKLPC UK has combined cultural work with philanthropy, raising more than £1.75m for disaster relief and charitable causes, including more than £1m for victims of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat. It continues to promote education and welfare initiatives such as its Saturday school and the Vadil Sammelan, launched in 2024 to support senior citizens.
The India Gardens project symbolises its commitment to community service and intergeneration engagement in Britain, the charity said.
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