An Indian-origin was detained for allegedly yelling threats and religious slurs and attempting to run over people in a mosque earlier this week, according to a statement released by Canadian authorities on Sunday, reported news agency PTI.
A number of officials characterised the incident, which occurred as worshippers gathered during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan, as an “Islamophobia-motivated attack.”
Sharan Karunakaran was arrested in Toronto on Friday late evening following a require an unsettling influence at the mosque on Denison Road in Markham, Ontario, the CTV News covered Sunday.
Witnesses said that Karunakaran drove to the mosque in a car and drove straight at one of the worshippers, yelling threats and religious slurs at them.
A police official was quoted in the report as saying that the suspect drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property.
In a statement, York Regional Police said that a suspect has been charged with a number of criminal offenses following a possible hate-motivated incident at a mosque in the City of Markham.
Mary Ng, a local MP and Federal Trade Minister, stated on Saturday that she was “deeply disturbed” to learn of the alleged assault.
“Deeply disturbed to hear of the violent hate crimes and racist behaviour at the Islamic Society of Markham. To Muslims in Markham and Canada, I stand with you,” she said in a tweet.
Deeply disturbed to hear of the violent hate crimes and racist behaviour at the Islamic Society of Markham. To Muslims in Markham and Canada, I stand with you. (1/3) https://t.co/sHCSlwI5Ts
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) April 8, 2023
One count of making threats, one count of assault with a weapon, and one count of driving dangerously are all against Karunakaran. According to the report, the charges have not been demonstrated in court.
According to police, members of the Hate Crime Unit came to the mosque to support its members.
The 11th of April is scheduled for his next court appearance.
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