British Asians are shocked to learn about a 24 years old Sikh man, who is suffering 'life changing injuries' following what is believed to be a racially motivated attacked with a machete and a hammer by a 25 years old man. He launched the savage attack on dentist Sarandev Bhambra, originally from Leeds, who was buying his launch at the Tesco supermarket in Mold, North Wales, on 14th January 2015.
The victim has been left with deep cuts from a bladed weapon to his left hand, his back and to the back of his head. However he was saved from being more seriously hurt when other people in the store overpowered the attacker. Police believe the suspect Zack Davies was operating on his own, but are looking into whether he was part of a wider group and were given extra time to question the man.
The horrifying scenes came amid heightened tension following the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris, but it is understood that there is not thought to be any significant link to events in France.
On 22 January an anti racism event was held in Mold and was attended by more than 100 locals.
Eyewitnesses said the “huge knife” used by the attacker looked like “something out of [the film] Crocodile Dundee”.
Rich Fay, a 20-year-old student, reportedly said he heard screams coming from an aisle in the supermarket. “In one arm the man had a knife and in the other I believe it was a hammer,” he said.
It is understood the suspect was known to the police, but it is not thought he had a record for violent assaults. There were unconfirmed reports that he had been in the Army.
Detective Chief Inspector Alun Oldfield, who is leading the investigation, said: “Initial indications are this is a racially motivated attack and management of the community impact will feature significantly in order to provide public reassurance.”
There has been concern about far-right groups’ using the murders of 17 people in France by three extreme Islamists, brothers Saïd and Chérif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly, as an excuse for violence.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it was “monitoring unfolding developments in Birmingham” after Muslim-owned businesses were shot at and attacked with hammers on Saturday and Monday.
Witnesses claimed groups of men damaged shops, restaurants and other premises in the Small Heath and Sparkbrook areas of the city. Police have said the motives for the attacks are not known.
The MCB said in a statement: “We hope that these remain isolated incidents.”
West Midlands Police said that it was not believed that the attacks were religiously motivated. It added that they had increased police patrols in the area to reassure local people.
Defendant Zack Davies appeared for a few minutes at Mold Crown Court on 19th January for what was due to be his preliminary hearing. But it had to be adjourned for 24 hours when it emerged that both the prosecution and defense had instructed the same barrister. Davies, with short cropped hair, and wearing a grey jogging suit, spoke only to confirm his name.
The City Sikhs Network, who represent young Sikh professionals like Sarandev in a statement told Asian Voice, “We are shocked to hear of the senseless attack on 25 year old dentist. Sarandev is still recovering in hospital with life-changing injuries and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.
The full circumstances of the attack, which was unprovoked and appears to have been racially motivated, are still unknown and there have been conflicting reports as to the background of the attacker. The tragic incident comes in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks.
At this time, we would ask for people not to speculate on social media as to why the attacker did as he did. The suspect has been arrested and the date for his trial is provisionally set for June. Any speculation may have an impact upon the criminal proceedings and may even damage the chances of justice being carried out.
On 22nd January 2015 saw an anti-racism event take place in Mold which was attended by over 100 locals. This show of unity by a small town in Flintshire should serve to remind us all that such actions are only ever the actions of a minority, and British Sikhs should continue to stand proud and unafraid as a community.
If any Sikhs in the UK have concerns about their own safety, they are advised to contact their local Police force by phoning the non-emergency number 101.”
