Teens in Canada harass Indian couple, issue death threat

[Administrator]

An Indian couple was subjected to racial harassment and a death threat by a group of teenagers in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The incident occurred on July 29, 2025, in the parking lot of Lansdowne Place Mall. A video capturing the event shows three young men in a pickup truck blocking the couple's vehicle, hurling racial slurs such as "big nose" and "you f***ing immigrant," and one threatening to kill the Indian man. The confrontation began when the couple confronted the group over damage to their car.



Following the incident, Peterborough police arrested an 18-year-old man from Kawartha Lakes, charging him with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on September 16, 2025. Although Canadian law does not have a specific hate crime statute, authorities have acknowledged a hate crime element in this case.

The video has sparked widespread outrage online, drawing attention to the rise in racial discrimination faced by Indians abroad. A local sports group in Peterborough has taken action in response to the harassment, highlighting the community's commitment to combating racism.

This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing hate crimes against South Asians in Canada. Between 2019 and 2023, police-reported hate crimes against South Asians surged by over 227%, with Sikhs bearing the brunt of many high-profile attacks.

The Indian government has expressed concern over such incidents, emphasizing the safety and security of its nationals in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in contact with Canadian authorities to ensure thorough investigations and has issued advisories urging Indian nationals to exercise caution and remain vigilant.

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