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AN INDIAN MAN who was attacked by a group of teenagers over the weekend has said he is planning on returning to India as a result of the incident.
The man, who wishes not to be named, was attacked by three people on Sunday evening at around 5.30pm in Fairview Park.
He told The Journal that he was walking home from the park when one of the group, while riding an electric scooter, kicked him in the stomach.
He said that as he tried to walk away, two others joined in the attack and started hitting him.
He then fell to the ground and they continued to kick and punch him.
He added that one of the group took his metal water bottle and hit him above the eye, causing a deep cut and heavy bleeding.
He told The Journal that some other people were around but did not attempt to help him.
However, two male teenagers later did help and called the gardaí.
He was taken to hospital and has since received eight stitches.
In a statement to The Journal, a garda spokesperson said gardaí are investigating the incident.
The spokesperson added that anyone with information is asked to contact Clontarf Garda Station on (01) 6664800, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The attack comes as President Michael D Higgins condemned the recent attacks on members of the Indian community.
President Higgins described the attacks as “despicable” and he expressed a “deep sense of gratitude” to the Indian community for all they have added to Ireland.
“Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life,” said President Higgins.
“We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some.”
He added that the recent attacks “diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country”.
President Higgins added that Ireland has “long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward” and that those leaving Ireland “often depended on the generosity of strangers”.
He added that the recent attacks “damage and corrode the most fundamental and enduring instincts of Irishness: those of hospitality, friendship, and care for others”.
The man who was assaulted on Sunday told The Journal that many of his friends in the Indian community are now “scared to go outside” and some are planning on going back to India as a result – he has already organised his own return in the coming days.
His parents were concerned after the attack and asked him to consider returning to India.
He has asked his university for an extension to his thesis so that he can return home and finish it online.
Meanwhile, he said he felt let down by the Indian Embassy following the attack.
He said his brother contacted the Embassy on Sunday after the assault and that he was contacted yesterday and asked to send an email detailing the incident.
However, there has been no follow-up since.
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, yesterday met with members of the Indian community to discuss recent attacks on Indian citizens.
Other incidents have included a man being stripped and beaten after a false accusation in Tallaght, a man being assaulted on his way home from a friend’s apartment, and an attack on a six-year-old girl in Waterford.
The Indian embassy in Dublin recently warned citizens “take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours”.
The Embassy of India in Ireland has been approached for comment.
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