Published Oct 21, 2026 | 1:40 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2026 | 1:58 PM
Ossett Town Hall where two Indian men were attacked (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: Two men, originally from Hyderabad, were reportedly assaulted by a mob of youth in UK’s Ossett after a Bathukamma and Dasara celebration. Local politicians and the police have condemned the attack as racially motivated and appealed to the public for information on the suspects.
Two British Indian men were allegedly assaulted by a group of youth after a Bathukamma and Dasara celebration in the town of Ossett in United Kingdom’s West Yorkshire County on 17 October.
West Yorkshire Police said the incident took place between 9:15 PM and 10:15 PM (GMT+1) on the night of October 17. The attackers were wearing balaclavas
The victims, originally from Telangana, were attacked when they were leaving the Ossett Town Hall, where the festival event was held.
The first victim was verbally abused by a youth who came there with a group of almost 10 people riding e-bikes. He was then attacked with a glass bottle, causing head injuries. The second victim, his friend, was also hit by a bottle and punched in the face.
One of the victims told the BBC that the attackers asked them, “Why are you here? What are you doing here?” before the assault.
According to the victims, they managed to escape back inside the venue. However, fear gripped those inside as the group continued to wait outside and left only after the police arrived. The victim described the incident as frightening and unlike anything he had experienced before.
According to the organisers, the mob grew in number to about 20 people before dispersing. Reports suggest that the suspects included young men aged between 16 and 20, who spoke to a member of the organising team outside the venue almost an hour prior to the attack, and inquired about the details of the event and the attendees.
Jade Botterill, MP for Ossett and Denby Dale, condemned the attack in a Facebook post and said the incident did not represent the people of Yorkshire.
“Members of our community must be able to use Ossett Town Hall for a Hindu community celebration without facing racist intimidation, abuse and physical attacks,” she said.
On 20 October, a Police and Communities Together (PaCT) meeting was held in Ossett town with representatives from police, the MP’s office, and the residents to address the incident and the wider concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area. West Yorkshire Police said they would not tolerate such behaviour and would take action against those involved.
The police have since put out an appeal to the public for information about a group of young men seen riding Sur-Rons or E-bikes at the time of the assault.
In the appeal, Andrew Dickinson, Inspector of the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said, “We recognise the distress this incident has caused to those attending Saturday’s event and to the wider Hindu community. Everyone has the right to attend community events safely and without fear. We are treating these assaults seriously and are working to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
No arrests have been made so far.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
