A petrol station owned by an Indian-origin man in the American state of Kentucky has been vandalised by a masked man, in what seems to be a racial attack and xenophobic act, according to local media reports.
Gary Singh, the owner of the petrol station which also houses a convenience store, says he was shocked by the incident as the vandals, reportedly donning ski masks, spray-painted racial and vulgar remarks across the building just after 11.30 pm in Kentucky’s Greenup County. Offensive words and phrases like “White Power” and others termed “too vulgar to air” were splashed across the station, according to the local WSAZ TV.
Daily Mail, a local newspaper reported that words like “leave” and other crudely-lettered yet obscene markings were visible in the store.
Singh said he has become nervous after this incident.
“It happened to me for the first time in this store in four years’ time. I've never done wrong to the community here. I try to help the community all the time,” he said.
Singh arrived in the US in the early 90s.
The incident is being investigated by Kentucky Police as a case of criminal mischief. However, hate crime charges on those responsible are also being contemplated for which the police will have to work with country prosecutors.
This act has disturbed not only Singh but also other residents of the area. His customers hope this doesn’t get repeated. Despite the mental agony and financial loss, Singh says he is prepared to forgive the vandals and also hopes they do not attack again.
