Lately, there has been a troubling rise in attacks against people of Indian origin in the USA, raising concerns about the safety of Indian students across the country.
US politicians have promised safety for Indian Americans as attacks on them have increased. But these promises seem empty because crimes against the community don’t seem to be stopping.
A 59-year-old Indian-American man died after being punched in the face at a motel parking lot in Oklahoma last week. The incident happened late on Saturday night, June 22, near Interstate 40 and Meridian Avenue, according to the police.
The victim, Hemant Shantilal Mistry, was a motel manager from Gujarat. He asked 41-year-old Richard Lewis to leave the property. The situation quickly escalated, and Lewis punched Mr. Mistry in the face.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. In the video, Mr. Mistry, wearing a white t-shirt, is seen arguing with Lewis, who is in a sky-blue t-shirt. The argument quickly turns physical, and Lewis punches Mr. Mistry, who falls to the ground. Lewis then walks away.
Police arrived at the scene around 10:00 pm and found Mr. Mistry unconscious. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he died of his injuries at 7:40 pm the next day.
Richard Lewis was arrested shortly after at a hotel on S. Meridian Avenue. He is currently held at the Oklahoma County Jail on a $100,000 bond and faces charges of aggravated assault and battery.
The police are still investigating why Lewis refused to leave the premises.
