PHAGWARA: Former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna has raised a strong objection over the alleged gang rape of a Sikh woman in the United Kingdom, urging India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take up the matter with British authorities at the highest level.
In a press release issued here today He said that the reports from London’s Oldbury in West Midlands indicate that the assault took place around 8:30 a.m., when a young woman of Indian origin was allegedly gang raped by two men. The attack is also reported to have included racially charged remarks.
While stressing the urgency of ensuring justice Khanna said “This is not merely an incident of sexual assault but also one of racial hatred, ” Jolly said, adding that Indians abroad are becoming repeated targets of hate-motivated crimes.
Khanna demanded that the Union government raise the matter with the UK authorities so that the accused face “the strictest possible punishment.” He further emphasized that safeguarding the lives and dignity of Indians abroad must remain a priority for the government.
British police have already launched a hate-crime investigation into the case, describing the attack as “racially aggravated.” One suspect has reportedly been arrested, while investigations and community appeals for information continue.
The incident has sparked outrage among community leaders and MPs in the UK, who called the assault “abhorrent” and urged stronger measures to protect minorities from hate-driven violence. The Sikh community, both in the UK and India, has expressed shock and demanded justice.