Hate crime convict in US ordered to learn about Sikh faith as part of jail sentence
New York: A US judge has ordered a white youth, who admitted to attacking a Sikh store owner because of his religion, to learn more about the faith and submit a report in the court as part of his sentence for committing the hate crime.
Marion County Judge Lindsay Partridge also sentenced 25-year-old Andrew Ramsey to three years of imprisonment, according to a press release issued by the Sikh Coalition, the largest Sikh body in America.
On January 14, Ramsey brutally assaulted Harwinder Singh Dodd, who was working at a convenience store in the US State of Oregon, because of his perception of his religion.
Ramsey wanted rolling papers for cigarettes, but did not have an ID and the clerk would not sell them to him without the document, as required by law. When Dodd asked Ramsey to leave, he attacked him by pulling his beard, punching him in the face, pulling him to the ground and kicking him.
Ramsey also spat on Dodd and ripped his turban off his head, the press release said. The youth pleaded guilty in Marion County Circuit Court to second-degree intimidation, a hate crime under Oregon law.
Sentencing Ramsey to 36 months in jail on Friday, the judge ordered him to attend the local temple's annual parade to learn more about the Sikh religion, saying bigotry is the result of ignorance and "all of us are able to learn and benefit from cultures in our community".
"Judge Partridge ruled Ramsey is required to seek drug and alcohol treatment along with mental health treatment. Judge Partridge also included restorative justice components as part of Ramsey's probation, including a requirement that he obtain an awareness of Sikhism and report what he has learned to the court," the Sikh Coalition said.
In a written statement to the court, Dodd said, "Every person should be able to live their life without fear of being targeted because of who they are, or how they practice their faith."
According to the Sikh Coalition, Sikhs in America remain hundreds of times more likely to experience bigotry, bias or backlash than the average American.
"This conviction is a much-needed step for Oregon in its broader efforts to make all our communities safe from hate," it said.
As per a FBI report, hate crimes increased by over 40 per cent in Oregon in the last one year.
In May 2018, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum established a special task force designed to explore ways to improve measures to combat and prevent hate.
Recently, Senate Bill 577 was introduced to strengthen the state's laws against hate crimes. This proposed bill renames crime of intimidation as bias crime, the Sikh Coalition said.
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Two arrested in house theft cases; police recover over Rs 19 lakh in cash, 711gm gold in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Madanayakanahalli police have arrested two persons in connection with house theft cases and recovered 711 grams of gold ornaments and Rs 19.5 lakh in cash from their possession.
According to Deccan Herald, investigation revealed the suspects broke into a house in Anchepalya village in August and stole valuables.
During the investigation, police first arrested one of the suspects. Based on information obtained during his interrogation, the second accused was later arrested at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district.
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Further interrogation revealed the suspect was a habitual offender involved in about 30 to 32 theft cases, including house break-ins, attempted robbery, and vehicle thefts. He said the stolen valuables were pledged at various jewellery stores, while some were given to acquaintances and relatives.
Police later traced and recovered the valuables.
With the arrests, police have detected 13 theft cases under the Madanayakanahalli police station limits and two cases registered at the Nelamangala Town police station. Further investigation is underway.
