One of the two police officers who allegedly assaulted the 57-year-old Indian man in Alabama has been arrested and FBI will be conducting a probe into the matter to find out if there were any federal violations in the incident.
Washington: One of the two police officers who allegedly assaulted the 57-year-old Indian man in Alabama has been arrested and FBI will be conducting a probe into the matter to find out if there were any federal violations in the incident.
Larry Muncey, the Madison City Chief of Police while apologizing to the victim Sureshbhai Patel, who was wrongfully assaulted by two police officers, without any provocation just because he did not know English and was unable to answer to their questions, informed that Federal Bureau of Investigation will also be conducting a probe into the matter.
"I sincerely apologize to Patel, his family and our community. We strive to exceed expectations," Muncey said. "Additionally FBI would be conducting a parallel inquiry to ascertain if there were any federal violations," Muncey said after he released audio and videos related to the incident. "As a result of the investigations, I found that Eric Parkers' actions did not meet the high standard and expectations of the Madison City Police Department," he said, adding, that he (Muncey) has proposed termination of officer Parker, who has now been arrested for third-degree assault.
The incident occurred on the morning of February 6 while Sureshbhai Patel was walking down the sidewalk in the neighbourhood. Patel "was violently assaulted by a police official without provocation, and left partially paralysed," according to the 11-page lawsuit filed.
A day before, Patel had arrived in the United States to assist his son and daughter-in-law in caring for their 17-month-old child, who was developmentally delayed after a premature birth. In the video, Patel is seen walking quietly in a sidewalk. He is not seen peeping at any of the houses or garage as was the police told in an non-emergency call it received from a neighbour, after which a police car was rushed to the neighbourhood.
In the video, two police officers are seen approaching Patel and asking him questions like name, address and identity card. Patel is heard saying "No English" and pointing finger towards his son's home. Soon one of the police officer, later identified as Parker, is seen violently throwing Patel on the ground and threatening him not to leave. It is at this time it appears Patel was paralysed, apparently by shock.. Later, Patel has been hospitalised. Now, his health condition has improved and he could speak, his attorney Henry F Sherrod said.
Indians raise $125,000
Meanwhile, the Indian community and concerned citizens have raised over $125,000 to cover his medical expenses, while the cop who allegedly assaulted him was released from custody on a $1,000 bond. Officer Eric Parker has been charged with third degree assault, which is a Class A misdemeanour in Alabama, rating up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.
US Hindus concerned after two incidents in 10-days
American Hindus are concerned after two incidents - roughing-up of a Hindu grandfather by police in Madison (Alabama) on February 6 and then scrawling of “GET OUT” on Bothell (Washington) Hindu Temple wall - happened in a span of 10 days. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, said that it was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Hindu community; who had made lot of contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that as per a Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey, as compared to any other religious group in US; Hindus topped in education, had second highest income levels, topped in marriage rates and had lowest divorce rates.
Zed suggested that basics of major world religions should be taught in high schools of the country and first responders should be imparted cultural competency training so that we understood each other better in view of increasing diversity of the country. Zed urged fellow Hindus to educate Americans about Hinduism.
