The incident unfolded as hundreds of Indian men gathered to commemorate India’s Independence Day. They were passionately voicing their support for India
Gurpreet Singh, a 25-year-old Sikh residing on Belmont Road, Ilford, has been apprehended in connection with a double stabbing incident in west London. The altercation occurred amidst clashes that erupted during India’s Independence Day celebrations, leading to injuries sustained by two Indian men. The incident took place outside South Hall, Broadway in West London on the night of August 15.
Singh faces multiple charges, including attempted Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) with intent, two counts of GBH with intent, one count of affray, threats involving a bladed article, and two counts of possession of a bladed article. Another individual in his twenties was arrested and subsequently released on bail.
The incident unfolded as hundreds of Indian men gathered to commemorate India’s Independence Day. They were passionately voicing their support for India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A group of approximately five pro-Khalistan British Sikhs, however, stood apart from the celebrations, displaying flags of Khalistan.
The Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent, Sean Wilson, who oversees policing in Ealing, acknowledged the distress the incident caused within the community. He assured that an investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events
Tensions escalated when the pro-Khalistan Sikh group declined to participate in the event, which had a fervently nationalist tone with slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and endorsements of the RSS and BJP. Video footage documented the mob confronting the Sikh men, pressuring them to join the celebrations. Despite their refusal, the Sikh men faced an onslaught, with the mob pursuing and assaulting them. Notably, a footage sequence revealed an Indian individual brandishing a large knife, yet no immediate action has been reported against this individual by law enforcement.
The Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent, Sean Wilson, who oversees policing in Ealing, acknowledged the distress the incident caused within the community. He assured that an investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events. While the altercation marred what was otherwise intended to be a peaceful and celebratory occasion, Wilson praised the courage displayed by the officers who promptly responded to the incident. One officer sustained minor injuries while apprehending a knife-wielding suspect, but her wellbeing remains a priority and she is receiving appropriate support.
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