A shocking case of rape and racial abuse in Oldbury has sparked widespread condemnation and alarm across the UK’s Sikh community. A British-born Sikh woman in her twenties was brutally attacked by two white men near Tame Road around 8:30 am last Tuesday. The attack, which involved rape, physical violence, and racial insults, is being treated by West Midlands Police as a racially aggravated hate crime.

Community members gathered at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, just miles from where the attack took place, for an emergency meeting led by faith leaders and Sikh organisations. Jas Singh from the Sikh Federation (UK) emphasised the wider implications of the incident: “We bear the brunt of all prejudice and ignorance, and hate.” Another attendee, a Sikh woman in her 30s, emotionally addressed the group: “Let’s call it what it is, this is racism.”

Police have described the two suspects as white males. One is said to be of heavy build with a shaved head, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves, while the second wore a zipped grey top. Authorities were called just before 8:30 am on September 9, and investigators have launched forensic and CCTV-led inquiries. Chief Superintendent Kim Madill acknowledged the community’s concerns: “We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused.”

‘You Don’t Belong Here’: Victim Recalls the Incident

The victim informed police that the men shouted racist abuse during the attack, reportedly yelling, “You don’t belong in this country, get out.” The Sikh Federation (UK) confirmed the same, stressing the need for urgent action. “This attack took place in broad daylight on a busy road,” said Dabinderjit Singh, the organisation’s lead for political engagement.

Local MP Gurinder Singh Josan, whose office is located just minutes from the crime scene, described the event as “a truly horrific attack” and assured constituents that police are “working extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace who has been traumatised.”

Echoing these sentiments, British MP Preet Kaur Gill denounced the crime as an example of the rising tide of visible racism: “This was an act of extreme violence… Racism and misogyny have no place in Oldbury, or anywhere in Britain.” MP Jas Athwal from Ilford South also weighed in, calling the attack “vile, racist, misogynist,” and warning that racial tensions are escalating across the UK: “Now, a young woman has been left traumatised for life.”

Similar Racial Attack Reported

Concerns about rising hate crimes have been heightened by recent incidents. On August 15, two elderly Sikh taxi drivers — Satnam Singh (64) and Jasbir Sangha (72) — were violently assaulted by teenagers outside Wolverhampton railway station. Singh’s turban was forcibly removed during the attack. British Transport Police have confirmed that case is also being treated as racially motivated.

Reverend Nick Ross of Holy Trinity Church in Smethwick, who attended the emergency meeting at the Gurdwara, pointed out that his own church had been defaced with offensive graffiti, alongside the Sikh temple. “We cannot just ignore it, it will go on and it will build,” he warned.

The Sikh Federation criticised political silence on the matter, urging immediate condemnation from across the spectrum. “More than 48 hours later we await the public condemnation by politicians on all sides of this brutal racist and sexual attack where a young Sikh woman has been viciously beaten and raped,” said Dabinderjit Singh.

Police say increased patrols will be deployed in the area to restore public confidence. Community group Sikh Youth UK has stepped in to provide emotional support to the victim and her family. Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses or any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the attackers.