TORONTO — Toronto Police Service has launched a hate crime investigation after a man wearing religious attire was allegedly assaulted with a metal pole in what investigators believe was a targeted anti-Sikh attack.The incident occurred on Thursday in the area of Adelaide Street West and Spadina Avenue.
According to police, the assault was unprovoked, and the suspect allegedly made anti-Sikh discriminatory comments during the attack. Investigators said the victim was targeted because of his religious attire.The victim sustained minor head injuries and was treated following the incident.Police arrested Mathieu Basuk, 44, of Toronto, and charged him with one count of assault with a weapon. He appeared in bail court on Friday.
The investigation has been assigned to the Hate Crime Unit, which will determine whether additional hate-motivated charges are warranted.Toronto police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, including video footage, to come forward as the investigation continues.The incident has raised renewed concerns about hate-motivated violence targeting members of the Sikh community and underscores the importance of reporting bias-related crimes to law enforcement.