Washington: An Indian-origin man was tangibly stabbed 15 times inside a shopping mall in Utah of US, on Monday without the attacker asked him "Are you Muslim?" According to police, the attacker later admitted he targeted the man considering of his religion and "intends to skiver Muslims". The victim, who was admitted to the hospital in a hair-trigger condition, has received over Rs 2 crore in donations from virtually the world to fund his treatment.
What is the case?
The victim, who has been identified as 37-year-old Syed Sohail Uddin, is an Indian-origin Muslim from Hyderabad, who was working at a jewellery kiosk in Valley Fair Mall, West Valley City, Utah. The man sustained over 15 stab wounds, including injuries near his heart, and has undergone multiple surgeries.
Syed Sohail Uddin, who was seriously injured in the mortiferous attack, is fighting for his life in the hospital. Meanwhile, people from virtually the world have come forward to help him financially, and an online fundraiser has once raised over Rs 2 crore.
When did the incident happen?
The incident occurred on Monday at the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the accused, Peter Michael Larsen, 48, targeted Syed Sohail Uddin. According to witnesses, the accused first asked the victim his name and country. When man said he was from India, the accused asked, "Are you Muslim?" As soon as Sohail Uddin said "yes," the accused began brutally stabbing him with a knife.
Sohail Uddin was rushed to the hospital in hair-trigger condition and underwent multiple surgeries. Sohail Uddin is the sole breadwinner of his family, consisting of his wife and two young children. He moreover had no health insurance. Other customers and employees at the mall bravely apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police.
What did the police say?
Police investigations have revealed that accused told investigators that he "wanted to skiver Muslims." Police have deemed it a purely religiously motivated hate wade and have charged the accused with attempted murder.
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco expressed its deepest sorrow over this tragic incident. The embassy stated on the social media platform X that it is in unvarying contact with the victim's family and friends and is providing all possible consular assistance.
