In another incident of hate-crime, a US-based man was finally held for attacking and robbing as many as 14 saree-clad Indian women over the span of two months. The accused, identified as Lathan Johnson, targeted older South Asian women (primarily Indian). In a crime-spree that ran for over two months, Lathan robbed Indian women, stole their necklaces, and terrorized them.

In one of the incidents, the accused also slammed an Indian woman, punched her husband, stole the woman’s necklace, and fled in a gateway vehicle. In another similar incident, a victim’s wrist endured a fracture because of the assault.

As per reports, the accused committed the majority of robberies in the South Bay areas, including popular locations such as Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale. The accused was able to target the Indian women by their sarees, bindi and other ethnic outfits.

The accused ended up stealing ornaments and valuables worth over $35,000 (approximately Rs. 29 lakhs). The victims in the incident were aged between 50 to 73.

Following the man’s arrest, the Hindu American Foundation issued a statement which was quoted in an Asia Times report as – “We are facing an uptick in hate crimes and online Hindu phobia. Seeing that we’re making progress in prosecuting to the fullest sends a powerful message.”

The Facts of the Matter

While the prosecution of minorities such as Muslims and Dalits continues to run rampant in India, the Indian community in US, is facing “anti-Hindu” attacks. Recently, the Santa Clara County authorities arrested a US man who targeted Indian women dressed in sarees, and robbed them of valuables including their necklaces.

Lathan Johnson was arrested as a suspect of hate-crimes against Indian women after he assaulted at least 18 women in various prominent locations in California. The 37-year-old man continued his crime-spree for as long as two-months, before being detained.


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Horrific Account of Hate Crimes

According to reports, the suspect targeted older Indian women, who wore traditional outfits like sarees. He stole necklaces and other valuables by grabbing their wrists and even assaulting them. In one of the incidents, a female victim suffered a fractured on her wrist. In a similar incident, the suspect slammed a woman and punched her husband on the face.


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Suspect Stole Valuables Worth Rs 29 Lakhs

According to prosecutors, the majority of the crimes occurred in areas like San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. The accused was able to target South-Asian women as they wore sarees, bindis and wore expensive jewllery.

For a period of two months, the accused stole valuables worth $35,000 (approximately Rs 29 lakhs) from victims that aged from 50 to 73-year-old.


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Authorities Classify the Crime-Spree as “Anti-Hindu”

Following the accused’s detention, District Attorney Jeff Rosen classified the crime spree as “anti-Hindu hate crimes’, and said, “I say to our South Asian society that anyone who targets and attacks you will be arrested and prosecuted with the utmost severity under our law.”

According to reports, Lathan did not appear during his hearing, stating that he had not taken his medications. He is currently being held in prison, without possibility of bail. If proven guilty, he could receive a maximum sentence of 63 years.

 

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