Indian-origin man arrested in Canada for religious slurs, attempted assault at mosque
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Ontario: In a disturbing incident, a man of Indian origin, Sharan Karunakaran, has been arrested for allegedly threatening and using religious slurs against worshippers at a mosque and attempting to run them over with his car.
The incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan at the Islamic Society of Markham in Markham, Ontario. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect Karunakaran drove recklessly into the parking lot before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, Karunakaran was arrested by the York Regional Police and charged with several criminal offences. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation.
In response to the attack, officials across Canada have condemned the act of Islamophobia. Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussein expressed his deep concern, stating that "the rise of Islamophobia-motivated attacks is deeply concerning and we must stand up against it. We will not let hate win."
Similarly, MP Mary Ng voiced her support for the Muslim community, saying that "this violence and Islamophobia has no place in our communities or in Canada. We will continue to take action so that everyone feels safe in this country and remain committed to combating this despicable behaviour."
The National Council of Canadian Muslims also issued a statement, describing the incident as "greatly distressing." According to the council, the suspect entered the mosque and tore a copy of the Quran before directing racist and Islamophobic rants towards the worshippers.
He then exited the mosque and attempted to run over or strike the worshippers with his car. The incident has caused concern, particularly as the anniversary of the London Terror Attack, where a family in London was run down in an act of hatred, approaches.
As the investigation continues, many across Canada are standing in solidarity with the Muslim community, condemning the rise of hate-motivated attacks and reaffirming their commitment to combating all forms of Islamophobia.
