Hate Crime Attack on Elderly Nepalis in Aldershot Park; One Arrested

London. A racist hate crime attack has occurred on elderly Nepalis, including former Gurkha soldiers, in Municipal Gardens Park in Aldershot, UK. Hampshire Police have arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of involvement in the incident.

The incident occurred around 7:24 PM on Tuesday evening in Aldershot, an area with a large Nepali population. Eyewitnesses reported that a local white man verbally abused, harassed, and physically assaulted two elderly former Gurkhas, an elderly woman, and other members of the Nepali community who were sitting in the park.

According to the police, the arrested person is a 58-year-old man residing in the area. He has been arrested on charges of assault, public nuisance, criminal damage, and a public order offense related to racial hatred, and is currently in police custody. Dr. Bishal Gurung, Vice President of the Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community, informed, quoting eyewitnesses, that the man initially used offensive words and verbally abused the elderly Nepalis sitting in the park.

The man made racially hateful remarks such as, 'Why are you sitting here? Go back to your own country.' Even when the victims stated that they were former Gurkha soldiers, the man became more aggressive and pushed the elderly individuals, assaulting them.

Two young Nepali men and women present at the scene attempted to defend the victims and started recording a video on their mobile phones, which led the attacker to smash their mobile phones as well. A video shared on social media shows a man behaving aggressively with members of the Nepali community.

According to eyewitnesses, the man kicked one young man, harassed a woman, and pushed some elderly people. 77-year-old Dawa Je Sherpa and 82-year-old Khadak Bahadur Pun, who fought in the Falklands War, were also present at the scene. Both were pushed, and one person's mobile phone was damaged.

Police, who arrived at the scene immediately after the incident, have collected statements, photos, and video footage from the victims and eyewitnesses and have launched an investigation. The police have requested individuals with further information or video footage of the incident to contact 101 or mention the number +44 260285455. Following the incident, anger and concern have spread within the Nepali and Gurkha communities in Aldershot. According to Dr. Bishal Gurung, many members of the local British community have also expressed sadness over the incident and demanded appropriate action against the perpetrator.

Meanwhile, Alex Baker, the MP elected from Aldershot and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, has strongly condemned the incident. She has spoken with Hampshire Police and urged them to increase patrols in the area. MP Baker described the attack as 'appalling' and clarified that there is no place for violence, intimidation, and racial discrimination in Aldershot.

She recalled the glorious history and contributions of the Gurkhas, stating that they are an integral part of the city's identity and history. She also warned that provocative language used online can incite division and racism between communities.

The Nepali Embassy in London has also expressed sorrow over the inhumane incident against elderly Nepali citizens. The embassy has urged that the perpetrators involved in the incident be brought to justice and has requested all parties to remain calm.

Rajendra Pudasaini, President of NRNA UK, has also condemned the attack on former Gurkha soldiers and appealed to everyone to be aware, vigilant, and united against such incidents that spread hatred. This is not the first incident of a racist hate crime attack on members of the former Gurkha community in Britain; such incidents have been reported sporadically in the past.