Edinburgh, Nov. 15, 2006
Rupdhaman Singh
NRI sikh teenager, 15, was attacked by four youths
in Pilrig Park yesterday evening, pinned him down and cut off
his hair. Initially he was subjected to racist verbal abuse from
the gang and later knocked to the ground. When the teenager's
turban came off, the gang cut his hair.
After the assault, which happened at around 7.30pm
last night, the gang ran off across the park before heading in
the direction of nearby Leith Walk, police said, "We would
also appeal to anyone who recognises the description of the suspects,
to come forward."
The four white suspects are around 16 years old.
Two were wearing dark Adidas tracksuit bottoms and dark beanie
style hats. Another was wearing a black Helly Hansen jacket.
The sikh teenager did not need medical attention,
but police said that he was left terrified by the attack.
This kind of act is considered highly offensive
to the Sikh community. Hair is a religious symbol for Sikhs, and
it is strictly against the religion to have it cut.