An Indian-origin taxi driver has sadly become the most recent target of an unprovoked and violent attack in Dublin, Ireland, an incident now under police investigation.
Lakhvir Singh, who has called Ireland home for more than 23 years, recounted being assaulted by two men in their twenties after dropping them off in the Poppintree area of Ballymun on Friday night, according to PTI.
Note: Due to the nature of the content, the video of the incident will not be shared.
Singh explained that the assailants struck him on the head with a bottle twice before fleeing, shouting the words, “Go back to your own country.”
Also Read: ‘Avoid deserted areas’: India warns nationals in Ireland to stay vigilant over surge in hate crimes
‘Very hard to go back, my children are scared’: Victim
Reflecting on the situation, Singh told ‘Dublin Live’, “In 10 years, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
He admitted, “Right now, I’m really frightened and have stopped working for the moment. Returning to the road feels incredibly hard. My children are deeply afraid.”
A spokesperson for Dublin police confirmed that Singh was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he was treated for injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening. Police are continuing their investigation into the assault, which happened around 11:45 pm on August 1st.
Rise in Attacks Against Indian Citizens in Ireland
This attack took place shortly after the Indian Embassy issued an advisory urging citizens to be extra cautious amid a rise in assaults around Dublin, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions.
Also Read: Indian man assaulted, stripped in Ireland weeks after arrival. Here’s what we know
The embassy’s notice stated, “Lately, we’ve seen a spike in physical attacks reported by Indian citizens in Ireland.” The message went on to say that embassy officials are in regular contact with Irish authorities, while advising Indians to stay vigilant, avoid deserted spots especially at odd hours, and provided emergency contact information (0899423734, cons.dublin@mea.gov.in).
This most recent warning came soon after a 40-year-old Indian man was violently attacked in Tallaght, Dublin on July 19a case described by locals as “mindless, racist violence.” That incident is also under police investigation, and Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra and others expressed shock and outrage online.
In a social media update following the Tallaght incident, the Indian embassy confirmed it was offering all needed support to the victim and his family, and that it remains in close touch with Irish officials.
Meanwhile, local residents organized a Stand Against Racism demonstration to both condemn what they labeled as a “vicious racist attack” and to stand in solidarity with the broader migrant community.
Last week, Dr. Santosh Yadav posted on LinkedIn about his own “brutal, unprovoked racist attack.”
As an entrepreneur and artificial intelligence expert, Yadav underscored that his ordeal is part of a worrying pattern, and called for “real action” from both the Irish and Indian governments to ensure Indians can walk Dublin’s streets safely.
He shared that he was attacked from behind by a group of six teenagers as he made his way home.
Also Read: ‘They beat me relentlessly’: Indian man’s face fractured in ‘racist’ attack in Ireland
Yadav warned in his post, “This is not an isolated incident. Racist attacks on Indian men and other minorities are rising across Dublinon buses, in housing estates, on public streets. And yet, authorities remain silent, not holding perpetrators accountable. That silence only makes attackers bolder.”
“I’m really scared now, and I’m off the road at the moment. It will be very hard to go back. My children are really scared.”
Baby Pereppadan, councillor from the Fine Gael party representing Tallaght South, voiced his concern after last month’s incident. “It’s crucial for people to realize that many Indians coming to Ireland are here on legitimate work permits, to study, and to fill essential roles in healthcare, IT, and other critical sectors,” he told PTI.
(Reporting with input from PTI)
- Racially motivated attacks against Indian citizens in Ireland are on the rise.
- The Indian Embassy is actively working to safeguard the Indian community.
- Community protests demonstrate increasing public resistance to hate crimes.
