London, Aug 7 (PTI) An Indian-origin nurse in Ireland is devastated after her six-year-old daughter was attacked by a group of boys near their home in Waterford. The nurse, Anupa Achuthan, originally from Kerala and now an Irish citizen, revealed that her daughter Nia Naveen, who was born in Ireland, was assaulted and told to "go back to India." Earlier this week, the incident occurred, and Irish Police (Gardai) are currently investigating both this attack and a violent robbery involving an Indian-origin hotel worker in Dublin.
Describing the attack to the 'Irish Mirror,' Achuthan stated, "One of her friends said a gang of older boys hit her on the private parts with a cycle and punched her face while hurling abuse like ‘Dirty Indian, go back to India.’" Her daughter later explained that the boys, aged between eight and 14, punched her neck and twisted her hair.
"I feel so sad for her. I could not protect her. I never expected such an incident would happen. I thought she would be safe here," expressed Achuthan. The family had recently moved from Dublin to Waterford, hoping for a better environment.
The Gardai confirmed in a statement that they responded to reports of an alleged assault in Waterford on the evening of August 4, and their investigations continue. Also, in a separate incident, an Indian-origin hotel worker in Dublin was attacked on Wednesday morning. Three suspects stole his phone and electric bike, requiring hospital treatment for his injuries.
Authorities and Indian community groups are alarmed by the growing number of attacks against individuals of Indian heritage in Ireland. Indian community leaders are calling for increased security measures and arrests after a series of incidents. Recently, attacks involving Lakhvir Singh, a taxi driver, and Dr. Santosh Yadav, an AI expert, highlighted the urgency of safety measures as advised by the Indian Embassy, urging citizens to be cautious and avoid secluded areas.
In light of a severe incident on July 19 in the Tallaght suburb of Dublin, a 40-year-old Indian man's assault was condemned as "mindless, racist violence" by local residents. The Irish Embassy in New Delhi assured its solidarity with the Indian community and denounced racism in any form.
Ireland's Social Democrats Member of Parliament, Jennifer Whitmore, shared an open letter from an Indian nurse in Dublin who expressed concerns about his children's safety, contemplating leaving Ireland. "I love Ireland, I'm proud of our culture… But over the last few years, I'm seeing a side of us that I don't like…the rise in racist attacks concerns me," Whitmore stated, attributing these actions to a "small minority of toxic individuals."
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