BIRMINGHAM, England (Diya TV) — Around 40 civil rights groups have condemned the rape and assault of a Sikh woman in Oldbury, United Kingdom, calling the Sept. 9 attack a racially motivated crime that demands urgent action.
Police said the attack took place at about 8:30 a.m. on Tame Road in Oldbury. The victim reported that two White men raped and assaulted her. She also alleged that one of the men shouted racist remarks and told her to “go back to her country.”
The brutal assault has sparked outrage among faith leaders, human rights groups, and Sikh community organizations across the UK. They are demanding justice for the victim and calling on authorities to address the rise in hate crimes.
Dozens of civil rights and advocacy groups issued a joint statement after the attack. They condemned the violence and urged police to treat the case as a racially motivated hate crime.
“Racism and sexual violence have no place in our society,” the groups said. “This incident highlights the need for stronger protections for minority women and swift justice for victims.”
The organizations also called for better community safety measures in West Midlands neighborhoods where hate crimes have been on the rise.
West Midlands Police confirmed that detectives are investigating the attack. Officials have not yet released details about arrests or suspects.
A spokesperson said the department is treating the case with the “utmost seriousness” and is working with community representatives. Police have also urged anyone with information about the assault to come forward.
Authorities said they are considering the possibility of racial motivation in the attack, given the victim’s testimony about racist comments made by one of the suspects.
The Sikh community in Oldbury and across the UK has expressed shock and fear following the crime. Local leaders said the assault has left many women feeling unsafe in public spaces.
“This attack was not only violent but also carried the weight of racist hate,” said Jaspreet Singh, a community advocate in Birmingham. “We need accountability and stronger action against hate crimes targeting Sikh and South Asian women.”
Faith leaders also emphasized the importance of unity in the face of racial violence. They urged the government to invest in programs that build trust between minority communities and law enforcement.
The assault comes amid growing concern about hate crimes in the United Kingdom. Government data has shown an increase in racially motivated offenses in recent years, with Sikhs and other South Asian communities reporting harassment and abuse.
Advocates argue that minority women face a double burden of racism and gender-based violence. Civil rights groups say the Oldbury attack underscores the urgent need for better support systems for victims.
The coalition of more than 40 groups has demanded a transparent investigation and quick legal action against the attackers. They are also pressing for reforms that ensure hate crimes are prosecuted effectively.
“Every woman deserves to feel safe walking in her neighborhood,” said one of the groups in its statement. “When crimes are motivated by both sexual violence and racial hate, they strike at the very foundation of equality and justice.”
