Victory in NYPD vs. Giani Harmel Singh Case: Justice Prevails!

We are pleased to inform you of a significant victory for justice and the Sikh community. On 20th September 2023, UNITED SIKHS helped successfully resolve Giani Harmel Singh’s case involving unfounded criminal prosecution at the Queens Criminal Court, New York.

The Incident

When Giani Harmel Singh opened the doors to the Gurdwara Bhagati Ghar on Friday, July 14th, he discovered a trespasser lying on a mat next to the shoe rack. The trespasser then followed Giani ji (the Sikh equivalent of a priest) into the Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship). As the trespasser watched the granthi (head preacher) perform Chaur Seva, he expressed a desire to also carry out the Seva with the Chaur Sahib. The Chaur is used to fan Guru Granth Sahib Ji (holy scripture of the Sikh faith revered as the eternal living Guru) as a sign of reverence and respect for the Guru. “The man hadn’t bathed, wasn’t clean, and could not be allowed to perform the ritual in that physical state,” Giani ji stated.

The incident unfolded at the Gurdwara Sahib Bhagati Ghar in South Richmond Hill, New York

Afterward, Giani  Harmel Singh retired to his room within the Gurdwara Sahib premises. He was about to drift off to sleep when the trespasser, consumed by inscrutable fury, barged in and physically attacked Giani ji, pummeling him with his fists, twisting his hand, and pulling his Kesh (unshorn hair). Giani ji was too stupefied to react.

He dialed 911 for immediate assistance. When officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) came, the trespasser said he had been attacked with a knife and ran away. In a shocking turn of events, the police officers arrested Giani Harmel Singh, the victim.  Instead of apprehending the assailant, they wrongfully arrested Giani ji based on a ‘knife’ attack claim. The ‘knife’ was, in fact, Giani ji’s kirpan, a sacred Sikh article of faith, which the assailant had tried to get a hold of.

Giani ji’s ordeal had only begun with the arrival of NYPD officers. He recollected tearfully, “I was humiliated and harassed before the bystanders that had gathered, and I was taken away to the police station, handcuffed and shackled”. By the time he was released from police custody 3 days later, he had a string of bitter, painful memories to recall.

He said, “I was starved – denied even water – throughout the course of my detention. I was treated like a dangerous criminal, the shackles were left on me even at the hospital where I was taken for treatment on the prison physician’s recommendation.”

Giani Harmel Singh contacted Japneet Singh, a UNITED SIKHS activist. This issue was immediately taken up by our legal team under UNITED SIKHS ICHRA (International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy) wing. Giani ji told our legal team, “I was punished for nothing I had done wrong. The action taken by the police has added to the shame and trauma of being attacked at the Gurdwara Sahib by the assailant”.

Our Legal Aid team challenged the unfounded criminal charges against Giani ji. Finally on September 20, New York’s Queens Criminal Court dismissed all charges against Giani Harmel Singh. 

Giani Harmel Singh (right) with Japneet Singh, UNITED SIKHS Activist

Safety Alert and Community Advisory

In light of such acts of hate, and the recent incident where a 19-year-old Sikh boy was targeted and assaulted on an MTA shuttle bus in Queens due to his religious attire, we urge everyone, irrespective of their community or background, to remain vigilant and safe. Such incidents underscore the reality that hate crimes can target anyone based on their perceived ethnicity, religion, or appearance. If you or someone you know feels threatened or experiences any form of attack, please call 911 immediately. You may reach out to us through our helpline number as well: 1 855-878-6333. Your safety, rights, and dignity are of utmost importance.

Your Role

Your unwavering support empowers us to stand up for the rights of minorities and marginalized individuals. The victory in the Giani Harmel Singh Case is a testament to the profound difference we can make together.

Please consider furthering this vital cause. Your donation today bolsters our crucial legal aid and advocacy efforts, ensuring we can continue to provide these services at no cost to the victims.

Stay Strong & Practice Your Faith Freely!

UNITED SIKHS Legal Team