A 31-year-old Sikh professor at Columbia University was attacked here by 25 to 30 youths who called him a terrorist
Prabhjot Singh, a professor of international and public affairs, was attacked Saturday night in upper Manhattan just blocks away from his Harlem home while he was walking by a mob who called him "Osama" and "terrorist", the New York Daily News reported citing police.
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The professor has reportedly published many articles on hate crimes against Sikhs in America.
"There was a group of 25 to 30 young men. One of them said, 'Get him, Osama', the report quoted Singh, who suffered a fractured jaw, as saying.
"I got punched directly in the face about three times."
Singh, who wears a turban and also sports a beard, was reportedly kicked after being pushed to the ground before passers-by intervened and saved him.
"I’m grateful to them,” said Singh, who is married and has a young son.
“It could have been a lot worse.”
According to the report, the attack happened around 8.15 p.m. Saturday while Singh and his friend were walking on a street.
The professor got badly injured and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he underwent surgery on his jaw.
“It’s incredibly sad,” Singh said.
“It’s not the neighbourhood I know. I work in this community. It’s just not American,” he added.
Investigation into the case is on. u00a0