*** UPDATE: Sept 17, 2010: Middlesex Family Court allowed to prosecute the five Juveniles as adults at Middlesex County superior Court in New Brunswick. Go to Media section for Press Coverage. ***
Fox News Coverage and detailed Account of what happened.
Dr. Divyendu Sinha was a brilliant technocrat who earned his B. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology. He was working for Siemens corporation (see more details under his bio).
Divyenduji, his wife Alkabahen and children, Ashish (16 years) and Ravi (12 years) had stepped out of their home to take a late night stroll on Friday, June 25 in a perfectly safe neighborhood where they have lived for sixteen years. This is a neighborhood where people do not lock front doors and cars are left unlocked in driveways. As they were returning back and were near their home around mid night, a car full of five teenagers (two Caucasians, three African Americans) pulled up; the driver stayed in the car and rest of them came from behind and attacked Divyenduji and his two sons. He was hit on the temple, he fell down and hit his head on the pavement. The attacker(s) continued to kick him on the head and neck. After the attack they escaped in the car. Divyenduji was able to get up so they tried to walk him to their home. However, after walking a few yards, he collapsed. At that point his son ran to nearby house and the neighbor came out and called 911. He was transported to nearby Raritan Bay Hospital. At that time (around 12:30 A. M.) he was able to answer questions like his name, birth date, etc. though his speech had begun to slur. He could not raise his left hand but was able to raise right hand . Soon after he became unconscious and by 4:00 A. M. he was transferred to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. This hospital has excellent reputation. The children had bruises, swollen jaw, neck pain, etc. but they were treated at the hospital and released.
According to the neurosurgeon who briefed us, by the time Divyenduji reached there, damage was done. There was severe cranial bleeding in the brain and brain had swelled so much that it had compressed brain stem which had affected all vital functions adversely. The brain had also shifted because of tremendous pressure within the enclosed chamber. According to the doctor, the compression of the stem is an irreversible process. One thing that was disturbing was that this surgeon had not looked at the reports from the first hospital and was not even sure if the reports and scans had accompanied the patient. He was not even aware of the fact that Divyenduji had been beaten up. He said that the bleeding had a pattern of a stroke but when we asked pointed questions, he admitted that the stroke was likely the result of the beating and trauma caused by it. VHPA volunteers from Staten Island and New Jersey chapters as well Divyenduji’s neighbors and friends had reached the hospital and were there throughout the two and a half day ordeal. Dr. Ila Sukhadia, President of Staten Island Chapter insisted on receiving a copy of all CATscans and having received them shared it with three outside specialists. Sadly, they concurred with the diagnosis that nothing could be done to save Divyendubhai’s life. Divyendubhai’s younger brother, Purnendu and Alkabahen’s younger brother, Alok were able to catch a flight out of Bharat upon receiving the news and reached the hospital on Saturday afternoon. While Divyendyji remained on life support, we all hoped for a miracle and continued to do chanting and prayers in his ICU room.
On Sunday, the doctors advised that they would be doing two tests, six hours apart to check if the brain was sending any signals. If results were negative than they would declare that the life had ended and the life support could not longer be maintained. First test was done at 9:00 P.M. and the results were disappointing. Second test was carried out at 3:00 A. M. on Monday and at 4:00 A. M. Doctors declared that Diveyenduji life had ended. Thus all our hopes against hope were dashed. A life was snuffed out needlessly at prime age of 49.
The family decided to donate his kidneys so life support was continued. Finally at 4:30 P. M. on Monday, June 28, family and friends gathered around Divyenduji, lighted a lamp, put Gangajal and Tulsipatra in his mouth and amid chanting and recitation of sacred mantras, the body was moved to Operation room.
The funeral was held on June 30, at Franklin Memorial Park.
(The above information was taken from the account of family friend and community activist Gaurang Vaishnav who was close to the family throughout the tragic incident. He is executive VP of VHP America).
A touching account of the Funeral (on June 30, 2010) from a visitor along with appeal to community to help the family
Dear All,
Few hours ago my family visited Divyendu Sinha’s funeral. We saw many hundreds of people across the cross section of races whose lives Divyendu and his family touched.
It was heart breaking to see his wife and two teenage sons who lost their loved one in a senseless attack. What is tragic is they have to bear the loss with the images of the the brutal attack done in front of their eyes, for no reason, no provocation while they tried to stop helplessly.
Those who came up and gave eulogies are from the cross sections, from his past PhD student who said how he used to enjoy Indian food at their home, to his manager at Siemens who could not control his grief and sorrow and pledged to do his best to see the family through, to the faculty member at College of Staten Island who want to start a scholarship (or funding) program in his name and many friends who accounted their memories and his scholarship. The priest who conducted the ceremony has done a great job of informing the ceremony procedure to those who are not acquainted.
Though this loss is primarily to his family and to his close relatives and friends, but it is also that of larger community. If one family is insecure, it is insecurity for all of us. It could be anyone of us. We do not know the motives of those who attacked, it could be racial, it could be first easy target they found to perpetrate their gruesome violence and perhaps Indian Americans in their view are easy targets. The bigger issue is whether the administration will handle this fairly. Given the past history, such as family of Geetha Angara from Holmdel, NJ who was brutally murdered at work place is still waiting for justice even after more than five years shows it is imperative that community come together to bring justice.
What next? While we are attentive to this now, it cannot be a matter of first few days. The family has to continue and they would need support, emotionally, financially and legally. The family has to go on and there are two teenagers who needs to go to college. (Please see the website http://justicefordivyendufamily.wordpress.com/how-you-can-help/ ). We have to ensure that justice is done to the family and community can play a big role in showing support. Many times these cases are diluted with the affected getting little support in the end. This case has to be pursued effectively in both criminal and civil courts. The civil courts have to pursued to ensure that the family is compensated adequately for the loss of sole incoming member of the family.
In helping them we are helping ourselves. We have to come together as a community and be their larger family.
Note: Please visit the page, ‘How you can help‘ for various steps you can take to help the family.
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I agree with many that say that race and money have nothing to do with this crime.These punks were on a mission,one night of wilding resulted in the brutal death of Dr.Divyendu Sinha.If you read all the reports you would know that they were ready to do it again on the following night.And before they came across the Sinha family they harassed a motorist who luckily got away,did we forget about him? he was victimized as well,was he Indian too? I think not.Being poor is not a green light to be a criminal.But really how poor were they? They had a car that dosen’t come cheap,according to reports they were under the influence as well,that can cost a pretty penny.Bottom line these punks are killers,lets stop the excuses and get these MOTHER F____ERS off our streets put them in prison where they belong and throw away the key.Lets get these Judges and Lawyers to move their asses and get these trials going already it can be years before anyone sees justice.Dr.Sinha is dead and four out of five of these bastards are free. Wheres the fairness? This wasn’t a robbery this was cold blooded murder I don’t want to encounter these punks I would feel safer knowing they are far way where they can no longer harm anyone else.What the hell is the hold up? The courts are over loaded? move those other cases aside this was MURDER do I have to say it again. Its outrageous how how the legal system works, crimes that result in loss of life should get TOP PRIORITY. Who’s in charge here?These victims have rights but I feel these delays victimize them over and over again,its a slap in the face, its like being raped. So lets get the ball rolling!
May we know the last update of this murder case? What happened to the 5 accused? I’ve been trying to find the last status of this case but did not find anything. We deserve to know how the accused have been punished.
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Mr. Makkar, you proved to be THE ludicrous bigmouth in the town. I would be grateful if you stop shaming the entire Indian community with your ridiculous and baseless conspiracy theory and arguments that lack absolute common sense. As proof, just read the quoted text from me from my previous post with those you quoted from Sep 2 and Sep 4. On that basis can you prove any inconsistency? I was speaking about the protest being a VHP organized event and that’s what I said in my past post as well. Now where is the lousy imagination and picking things out of context? Go figure!!! I would recommend that you put aside whatever you are smoking and start reading the text of my post before firing up your loose cannon.
And how can you assume that its my job to extract condemnation from Muslim leaders? If you haven’t read my post, then let me remind you that I clearly stated that I was speaking for myself. And neither am I interested in hunting around for cheap publicity with conspiracy theories and wild allegations that lack substance. If you or anyone is looking for proof, just read the last paragraph of Mr. Makkar’s post. Seems like he is more pissed at the tricolor bikinis than Dr. Sinha’s murder.
I would like to stand up in defense of SJs’ freedom to speak his twisted mind. I do so despite his attacks on me to hide his dislike for truth and 2 statements on same subject VHP. I do so despite his blatant hypocrisy to hide his personal motives in supporting the local administration. I do so despite disagreeing with nearly every word that comes out of his vicious mouth. And I do so because my “retarded” ideology refuses to let me sink to his level.
And I thank God and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for never having been put on trial for any of my controversial statements based on truth.
Thank God that I live in US where I have my freedom of expression. Who knows, otherwise I might have been put on trial on a kangaroo court by Mr. Makkar for speaking up against a foul mouthed conspiracy theorist.
Its quite interesting to note that Mr. Makkar is still evading my question to show the inconsistency in my previous statements. I guess he has none. Perhaps in his opinion its because of my “twisted” mind that I keep talking straight and substantiate my points while Mr. Makkar with his “straight” mind keep making allegations with nothing to substantiate them. He can’t prove any inconsistency in my statements despite the allegations, he can’t explain what “truth” that I have a dislike for and he can’t explain what my “personal motives” behind my “support” for the local administration.
But that wouldn’t stop Mr. Makkar from adopting this holier-than-thou attitude and shooting off his foul mouth at anyone who disagree with him. Calling me stinky to hide your own stink is an old trick Mr.Makkar, but then again when you have nothing left to argue with, its worth a try. You have no point except your own ranting and raving to attain your 15-seconds fame, but then again characters like you are ten a penny. So I would recommend you to try something new if you wanna last beyond the 15 seconds.
First, my deepest condolences to the Sinha family. I am glad to see that the teenagers who committed this atrocity will be charged as adults. We must keep the pressure on prosecutors to charge the teens with a hate crime. A hate crime conviction will be an aggravating circumstance when the teens are sentenced.
Above all, we must stand together as a community. In unity, there is strength.
Peace.
I have no idea why people are so thrilled to know that Dr Sinha’s murderers will be prosecuted as adults. Why don’t they understand the law that the authorities have no choice but to prosecute them as adults because all of them are 17-18. Administration took 3 months to declare that so that in the mean time a weak prosecution case can be made and Police Department can be rewarded for their help because some of the murder accused are politically well connected.
To inflict more injuries to the family Court gave them plain vanilla Bail Bonds with no restriction that it can not be bought with only 10% down. With in few hours 3 murders were out on Bail and as usual anti-Indian Media is keeping it a secret when the other 2 were let go on the streets of Old Bridge. Dr. Sinha’s wife, Alka, issued a written statement on 9-24-10, she wrote that she disagreed with the bail being set at the lower end of the range, over the objections of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
“My primary concern right now is the safety and security of my children. The judge (Jane Cantor) has imposed conditions to the bail to protect us, but we are still concerned that the assailants can be released on bail, as three of them already have been, before they are punished for their crimes,” she wrote. “I have lost a loving husband, my young children have lost their loving father and mentor, and the community has lost a good citizen, a brilliant scientist and engineer, through no fault of ours.”
As far as our community being multi racial and multi region; is concerned they hardly care. Indian Muslims they have an excuse Dr Sinha was a VHP member and Sikhs say he was a Hindu and the worst are Hindus who says Dr Sinha was a Bihari. Worst are the so called photo crazy opportunist Indian Leaders; some are blaming the community for Dr Sinha’s murder for displaying their wealth and success, some just want a park or school room to be named after late Dr Sinha’s name, some are posing as Citizens of Old Bridge; all of them working hard to help the administration in a operation cover up. None of them is demanding State rather Federal investigations and no one has any objections to the quasi criminal, anti-Indian County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan an accused in a murder case handling Dr Sinha’s investigation.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37407895@N02/5017494243/
Put a leash on your vitriolic tounge(or fingers rather) Mr. Makkar. I dont know about others, but at least for me, I didnt care about his VHP affiliations, but rather with VHP being the umbrella organization that was conducting fundraising and other activities. Painting the entire Muslim community as being insensitive becuase of his allged affiliation with VHP is pure non-sense and wont advance your cause a single inch. You wanna push your cause through, learn to be civil !!!
REPLY TO SJ
“I dont know about others, but at least for me, I didnt care about his VHP affiliations, but rather with VHP being the umbrella organization that was conducting fundraising and other activities.”SJ
Mr SJ put a leash on your lousy imagination, lies and picking things out of context. No where I am raising questions about VHP or your fake support to VHP. Just few days ago on this web site you wrote “You don’t want to be associated with VHP in any manner.” I am reproducing your statements if your lousy memory is not supporting you:
SJ sep. 2, 2010
The account is by someone associated to VHP, an organization that’s peddling its own version of hate against Muslims and other minorities in India. How ironic that can be? SJ
SJ sep. 4, 2010-10
I am ready to join any protest or public even if organized under an interest group focused only on Dr. Sinha’s case. Anything under VHP umbrella is something I will not join hands with. From what little I can do, I will try my best to see in what other ways I can help. SJ
By the way SJ can you show me a single Muslim Leader who has expressed concern about the brutal murder of Dr Sinha?
Rather than raising concerns how the investigations are being handled, a quasi criminal accuse in a murder case is handling the investigation and why the murderers were given plain vanilla Bail Bonds; you want to spread lies to support the local administration for your personal benefit. You want to justify all those feet lickers of the administration including you who want a Science Room or Park in the name of late Dr Sinha and wants to hold a biggest block party in the neighborhood with Dancers wearing Indian Tri Color Bikinis to get your lousy faces and names in Indian Media which locals don’t read.
PLEASE JOIN THE INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF OLD BRIDGE FOR A DISCUSSION ON
WORKING TOGETHER TO SECURE AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time: 10:15am – 12:45pm
Where: George Bush Senior Citizen Center
1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Directions: http://www.oldbridge.com
Topics:
Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes: How to identify and address them as a community?
Bridging the Gap: How can community members collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety?
RSVP preferred by September 22nd, 2010 to CitizensofOldBridge@gmail.com
THIS EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY THE CITIZENS OF OLD BRIDGE (COBNJ), SOUTH ASIAN AMERICANS LEADING TOGETHER (SAALT) AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE IN COLLABORATION WITH OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP, MIDDLESEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE, OLD BRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, SOUTH ASIAN BAR ASSOCIATION NEW JERSEY (SABA-NJ), ASIAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND (AALDEF), MANAVI, THE SIKH COALITION AND INDIAN AMERICAN DEFENSE LEAGUE
I think those 3 criminals wouldn’t have been beaten him if he looked like a white. Even Joel Stein’s article wouldn’t have been published if Indians are replaced by some europeans. Shame on these people who never dare to accept that they are racist. Teh fact is they are racist to the core and they themselves don’t like to believe it.
Is there any pill or treatment that changes my color of the skin to white? Shame on Americans! Your country sucks just like a 3rd world country.
The fact is 3 of the animals knew about the ethnicity of the Dr Sinha. I have been raising this issue since June 29 th that Dr Sinha’s murder was Racially Biased.
It is not shame on Americans that some of them are racist it is shame on all the Indian organizations & so called Leaders who does not have the spine to fight for equality. Whether it was worst ever called racial slurs in over 200 yrs history of America by a Police Union that Indians are cockroaches, animals, illiterates and illegal go home or brutal murder of Dr Geetha Angara or “These are dirty F***** Indians in the car and I am not going in there (to save them) when Petrolman Kenny asked Sgt Glinsky for help to move 3 Indians involved in a fatal accident or Dr Sinha’s brutal murder under racial bias or racist comments by Joel Stein.
It is more unfortunate that the Indian community have no courage to put parade all their so called Leaders on Donkeys and demand justice for Dr Sinha. They are so self centered that don’t want to even send an e-mail to the Governor & Attorney General to demand independent investigations into Dr Sinha’s brutal murder neither they are criticizing the Governor & Attorney General for treating Dr Sinha’s murder as a minor burglary into Sinha’s home.
REPLY TO SJ
“I dont know about others, but at least for me, I didnt care about his VHP affiliations, but rather with VHP being the umbrella organization that was conducting fundraising and other activities.”SJ
Mr SJ put a leash on your lousy imagination, lies and picking things out of context. No where I am raising questions about VHP or your fake support to VHP. Just few days ago on this web site you wrote “You don’t want to be associated with VHP in any manner.” I am reproducing your statements if your lousy memory is not supporting you:
SJ sep. 2, 2010
The account is by someone associated to VHP, an organization that’s peddling its own version of hate against Muslims and other minorities in India. How ironic that can be? SJ
SJ sep. 4, 2010-10
I am ready to join any protest or public even if organized under an interest group focused only on Dr. Sinha’s case. Anything under VHP umbrella is something I will not join hands with. From what little I can do, I will try my best to see in what other ways I can help. SJ
By the way SJ can you show me a single Muslim Leader who has expressed concern about the brutal murder of Dr Sinha?
Rather than raising concerns how the investigations are being handled, a quasi criminal accuse in a murder case is handling the investigation and why the murderers were given plain vanilla Bail Bonds; you want to spread lies to support the local administration for your personal benefit. You want to justify all those feet lickers of the administration including you who want a Science Room or Park in the name of late Dr Sinha and wants to hold a biggest block party in the neighborhood with Dancers wearing Indian Tri Color Bikinis to get your lousy faces and names in Indian Media which locals don’t read.
A few interesting points to note…
The account is by someone associated to VHP, an organization that’s peddling its own version of hate against Muslims and other minorities in India. How ironic that can be?
Many of the comments are asking for this to be treated as a hate crime. Please be aware that criteria for a hate crime are tougher than most of you think it is. From the description of the events I seriously doubt if we have enough evidence to argue for it. For example, these criminals were involved in an incident with another white male in a car and after loosing that guy in a chase, they seem to have picked up Divyendu to vent their anger. So there is hardly any evidence to argue for a hate crime. We should be diligent not to make touchy and emotionally charged statements and instead focus on getting the maximum possible penalty for these 5. First degree murder charge with a possible racial bias would be a good start.
Another sad aspect is the complete absence of major media sources in this story. Why is it that it’s not on CNN or NBC? Why is it that its not debated in city councils or other places where serious business is done? We just a bunch of people lamenting about this in a forum is not going to take us anywhere. In this country, your votes and money count. So make sure that they are put to best use. Any lawmaker from the area who didnt show an interest in this incident, deserve neither our vote nor our campaign contributions. I would even go one step further and make it clear that we might just give it to their opposition as an expression of our protest.
Why is it that we haven’t formed a coalition with other organizations that are involved in civil rights? Standing alone may not garner us much support, but standing together might. And it’s all about visibility. If nobody knows about the plight of this family, then nobody would care. If nobody cares, then neither would the politicians.
Most importantly, we should see this through to the very end. The struggle has only just started. There is a long way to go. Did we establish a fund to raise money for the family and their legal expenses? Have we formed a committee that can speak in one voice? Did we hold a press-conference to keep the media focused on this? Please note that media attention is one way to let the lawmakers know that we haven’t forgotten.
I know that some of my comments may not be well received. It’s strictly my personal opinion and based on my experience of fighting prejudice in India and US. You are free to disagree or dispute.
Dear SJ: I agree with you to certain extent about VHP but Dr Sinha’s murder has got nothing to do with it. I don’t care about his affiliation with VHP the only thing I care is he was from Indian origin and he was killed for no apparent reason. Those from Muslim organizations who are making it an issue should be ashamed of them selves. Shame on Sikh organizations also who as usual are saying they are not Indian so why they should get involved.
Then your are bringing up “another incident involving a white guy by those responsible for Dr Sinha’s murder” if you try to put 2 and 2 together it may have been planted to down grade the charges of hate crime for Dr Sinha’s murder to accidental murder. Because at least 2 accused are from politically well connected families.
Do you have any explanation why the Court date is Oct 23, 2010 which is almost 3 months after the incident?
Do you have any explanation for whole sale promotions to Police Officers who failed to take actions on the complaints of Indian American community for racial discrimination?
Since June 29, 2010 numerous demands has been made to the Mayor Philips, Governor Christie and Attorney General Paula Dow for State Investigations into the brutal murder of Dr Sinha; why these individuals are not taking any action?
On Aug. 8, 2010 a demand was made to County Prosecutor’s office to recuse themselves from the investigations of Dr Sinha’s murder because of their past racist behavior towards the people of Indian origin; they have yet to reply.
With all these you still feel investigations are impartial and hate was not the issue in Dr Sinha’s murder especially when 3 accused were well aware of Dr Sinha’s ethnicity?
Your suggestions we should put pressure on the media and politicians; who are these “we”. What we have in Indian community is photo opportunist swindlers posing as Leaders and the worst is community’s bad attitude of tolerating them and doing nothing. Then the community is fragmented on the basis of caste, religion, language and region. When individually they don not have sense of dignity, justice and unity how you can expect any thing constructive collectively from them? I hate to bring this issue again and again this is the same community who never raised their voice against the worst ever called racial slurs in over 200 years history of America by Police Union; “Indians are cockroaches, animals, illiterates and illegal go home.”
Even the elected members like Councilmen Kamal Khanna (East Windsor), Ravi Bhalla (Hoboken) and Mayor of Teaneck Mohammed Hameeduddin are on MIA list. Khanna a Hindu have no feelings for a person from Bihar. Bhalla a Sikh and Hameeduddin a Indian Muslim does not want to get involved in issues related to India and Hindus. Another Councilman Dr Sudhanshu Prasad belonging to Dr Sinha’s native state is siding with the administration to stay in politics. Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula to stay in good books of the Rulers gave a statement Indian community is responsible for the murder of Dr Sinha because they have been over displaying their success and wealth in this tough economic times.
Talking about religious and cultural organizations for them photo opportunity session is over. Especially IBA & FIA who put up circuses & barely clad women in the name of India Day Parade the parade season is over. They have already given press statements that they have forced the Old Bridge Mayor to name a Park and Science Room in the name of late Dr Sinha. Certainly they will have a biggest block party in front of Dr Sinha’s house to celebrate the naming with barely clad women dancing on Mera Rang de Basanti Chola in Indian tri color bikinis.
Coming to Republicans and Democrats history speaks for itself both have failed to ensure equal rights and dignity to people of Indian origin. The reason for this is very simple people of Indian origin don’t care for their fellow members and then they are represented by all kinds of swindlers who can stoop so low that even Dr Sinha’s memorial was turned into a Circus for those from Indian community who can not be paraded even in the world famous Pushkar Mela in India for animals.
Looking at all the above it looks like Sinha family is on their own like Angara family after more than 4 years who is still looking for justice in the matters of brutal murder of Dr Geetha Angara.
Some of the concerns you are raising are very valid. Can I ask you a personal question how many people including you have written to Governor, Attorney General and main stream media as well as ethnic media to demand independent state investigations what lead to the brutal murder of Dr Sinha?
Dave Makkar: Where did I say that Dr. Sinha’s murder has got anything to do with VHP? And why jumping into finger pointing at Muslim or Sikh organizations while I made no mention of any? Don’t you think that you are jumping guns with your rather presumptuous mindset? I am yet to read about any such organization that is making an issue out of Mr. Sinha’s murder. Can you give me references to such claims?
I fail to see how I can do a 2 + 2 as you have indicated in your rather elaborate conspiracy theory. The political connections of the two accused will have no impact on the trial in a court of law. Neither would it appeal to the common sense of any sane person that those connections somehow imply some sort of conspiracy theory targeting Mr. Sinha.
As for the court date, do you have any idea the sort of backlog the courts have? This is a bureaucracy Dave Makkar, not some sort of vigilante system. Things have to run its course. Just because someone dear to you was murdered doesn’t mean that the system has to dance to your tunes. You have to wait your turn.
I am again confused by your reference to the promotions awarded to the cops. I think you should be focusing on what they failed to do rather than their pay-grades or rank promotions. Such tactics will gain no traction here, if you care to listen.
The rest of your rant about inaction by the govt. officials explain nothing about the background of such efforts made by the community leaders or representatives. Where those demands made in a formal fashion with enough publicity attributed to it? Did you have people liaison with local media to follow up on those requests? You somehow have failed to catch the point I was trying to make earlier. Without public’s attention to your efforts, there is little hope that you can reach anywhere to get justice to the Sinha’s family.
Your statements somehow imply that I am of the opinion that the investigation is impartial. I would like to know where I said that or how you got such an impression. Like I said earlier, you are being very presumptuous in forming your opinions and I think you should sit back a little, relax, breathe easy for a little while and then read my text to form an opinion. If you need my answer to be spelled out then here it is. I DO NOT THINK THE INVESTIGATION IS GOING TO BE IMPARTIAL. RACIAL OR ETHINIC BIASING IS NOT THE ONLY CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. HATE IS DEFINITELY A FACTOR BUT HOW MUCH OF IT IS DUE TO SINHA’S ETHINIC BACKGROUND IS UNCERTAIN.
Are you trying to say that the accused somehow knew that Mr. Sinha is going to take a walk precisely at that moment for them to gather around at his place in their car and attack him? There are a lot of un-known factors here, which is why we should wait until the investigation completes. It’s easy to look at the report and find holes in it – if it was not properly done – and then level accusations of bias against the govt. agencies rather than making empty statements with nothing to substantiate it. Which could be another reason why the govt. officials have not responded back yet.
Answer to your question about who this “we” is this. “We” constitute of those who would like to have this incident properly investigated and justice delivered to Mr. Sinha’s family. A loose coalition of friends may not achieve much. Which is why you should try to establish ties with other community leaders and organizations that are ready to stand behind you. Please note that people like me who didn’t know Mr. Sinha personally will never feel the same way about this incident as people who are knew him personally. We however can offer our support in any way possible if people like you take the leadership and organize a coherent entity to lead the way. We are common people Makkar, and we have enough trouble of our own to spend time on an unfortunate event that happened to a total stranger. But we also have strong feelings about what happened and would support any worthwhile action to bring justice to the family. I hope now you have got an idea of who this “we” are.
Lastly to your question about what me and others like me have done. I can only speak for myself Mr. Makkar and wouldn’t know what others are doing about this. From my side, I have signed a petition demanding investigation into this incident, wrote to Gov. Christie and intend to write to AG. I am also writing to the community organization where I have membership to see if they can issue a press release or at least make attempts to raise the level of awareness about this incident. Like I said, in the end, Mr. Sinha is a stranger to me and there are limitations to what I would do to this cause compared to what you or others who have known Mr. Sinha, can do.
Dear SJ, I am not jumping guns and I don’t have presumptuous mindset. Whatever I have written about Sikh, Muslim and Christian organizations is true to every word. If you or any one else don’t like the truth than it is your and their problem not my problem.
I personally knows some Sikhs who live in OB and were not aware of Dr Sinha’s murder and even after getting the information they never took any action. Same is true for Muslim & Christian organizations who were informed on number of occasions. When I got fed up with their attitude I put their names in my blogs. After that I receive a call from a Muslim that Dr Sinha was a VHP member that’s the reason they preferred not to get involve. I told that gentleman I am disgusted with his explanation and for his information the local VHP writes for me that I am a Christian Pig or a Muslim with Hindu name.
Just for your knowledge I don’t live in OB and I never had the opportunity to meet or know Dr. Sinha. Your comments on court date, inaction by officials and whole sale promotions to OB Police Officers are without merits and without going through my correspondence with Governor, Attorney General and County Prosecutor. In this site itself you will find copies of letters written to Governor, Attorney General and County Prosecutor for State Investigation. The South Asian Times also published the letter to Governor and his blatant and shoddy response treating Dr Sinha’s murder as a minor burglary in Sinha house.
Coming to Court date Dr. Sinha’s murder is a sensitive matter. When Middlesex County Superior Court has a well publicized record of listing cases in few hours why Dr. Sinha’s case was not listed for early hearing?
All the 104 Police Officers of OB should have been investigated for not taking any action on the complaints of racial harassment by people of Indian origin; which may have lead to Dr Sinha’s brutal murder. Rather they have been rewarded with promotions is very disgusting how you can digest it is again your problem.
SJ: “We” constitute of those who would like to have this incident properly investigated and justice delivered to Mr. Sinha’s family.”
Dear SJ where are these “we”? I have not read in any of our own news papers or on TV that these “we” demonstrated out side Governor’s office for impartial investigation by State Attorney General’s Office.” Before commenting any further my request to you is try to understand the system of local governments in NJ; how it works and how it is geared to save each others back. NJ is the only state in the entire world where in 8,000 sq miles for 8.5 mil residents in 566 racially segregated towns there are over 9,000 Unionized elected officials posing as Republicans and Democrats along with over 400,000 employees with little or no work appointed for political reasons. I am from Delhi where for 14.5 mil people there are only 374 elected officials and less than 175,000 employees. New Jersey is legally corrupt and legally racially segregated. I can give you documentary evidences that if you are of Indian origin you can not get justice.
With best regards,
Dave Makkar
Its one thing to make an allegation but completely different thing to substantiate it. I asked for references and you still haven’t provided any. Its pointless to continue this discussion on some empty pointless statements.
Some folks decided not to go with you on this issue and you put them up in their blog for all to see???!!! Good PR skills you got there!!! If Mr. Sinha was indeed a VHP member, then even I would have second thoughts about supporting this cause. I can’t support an organization that advocates hate ideology. Be it the ideology behind the murder of Dr. Sinha or be it the ideology that is used to murder people in India. I did notice that the fund rising is done under the umbrella of VHP, which could be a big turn off for others who know about the spectacular track record of VHP.
Please explain to me how my reference to the backlogs in the court system has got anything to do with your correspondence to the govt. officials? Assuming that you are referring to your posts under the “how to help” section, I have gone through them before (In fact I used some of the text from your letter to Kaplan to format my letter to the govt. office.). Like I said before, there are no references to the efforts made to run it through the public media. What community organizations have you tried to liaison with? What were their responses? Your constant references to Police promotions and vitriolic attacks directed against Kaplan using street language won’t do well in the public’s eye. Like I said, I would instead focus on what was NOT done in Sinha’s case and your accusations against Kaplan should be done in a civilized and formal fashion with points that can be substantiated.
How can they go for the hearing without formally concluding their investigation efforts? Like I said, it’s the bureaucracy. You have to let the system run its course. Though frustrating at times, no positive outcome will come out of it if you fight it in through the wrong means.
Read my response earlier to understand the limitations people like us face. If you are ready to organize a protest, you can be sure that I will be there to protest with you. But if you are demanding me or ordinary people like me to organize a protest, then you are asking us for too much. God forbid, if something similar happens to someone from my family or friend circle, even then I alone or folks like me could have organized a protest like you said. That’s why we have community organizations where we can join forces and organize. I have a fairly good understanding of the governing system in NJ. I do agree that there is a lot of bias and prejudice and corruption in the system. From what I have learned from my limited exposure to civil rights issues fought against the govt. system, I can confidently say that there is one thing that every govt. reps are scared of. Publicity. You go public with enough exposure in the national and local media and if you run it long enough, you will see a difference in their attitude.
I don’t need it. I know enough to agree to your point. But that’s not restricted to Indian origin alone. Add to it, Muslims, Poor, Colored people, Hispanics etc. etc.
I would summarize my point of view here. I am for demanding an impartial inquiry into what happened in Dr. Sinha’s case. I am ready to join any protest or public even if organized under an interest group focused only on Dr. Sinha’s case. Anything under VHP umbrella is something I will not join hands with. From what little I can do, I will try my best to see in what other ways I can help.
Well, these things keep happening and any country would pay attention to those people who are from developed country. Thats actually the respect the people created for their country by working hard for their respective countries. If such incident happen in India to any US citizen, Indian government would run after the felons. Thats because US people created such respect. But the other way around may not be true, because we have not yet done that. We all know the reasons. So contribute to your country’s development, so at least our next generation would live proudly. We are all living at least with some respect today just because of our freedom fighters. So think of what you can offer for next generation of our country. Are we really thinking of some thing like that? May not be! If that is the case there is no benefit talking ugly words here. Every one is equal in God’s court. Every body( including the countries) would be punished one way the other, for their wrong doings,. How many Indian American or NRIs celebrate Independence day or Ghandi Jayanti or some other meaningful days, instead of celebrating Dec 31st. There are lot of such questions we should ask ourselves. So be cool guys, and lets us think of doing some thing that benefit our country in future. If possible please try to contribute to the family of victims.
I agree with you as a community of Indian origin we have not earned the respect and dignity in America. The reason being first of all majority of us do not care about respect and dignity then we are not united at all. That is the reason Police Union called us, “Indians are cockroaches, animals, illiterates and illegal go home” in the presence of print and TV media. In America also we are a multi religious and multi regional community collectively we don’t want to be called Americans of Indian origin. We are first Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Christian etc. then we are Jat, Ahir, Brahmin, Vashya, Kayasth, Kshatriya, Bhapey, Ramgariye, Shia, Suni, Wahabi, Catholic, Protestant etc. and then we are Gujarati, Bihari, Punjabi, Maratha, Bengali, Rajasthani, Keralite etc. None of us ever feel or say we are Americans of Indian origin?
Take the case of brutal murder of Dr Sinha. It is very unfortunate that all the non Hindu Organizations and a Councilman (Hoboken) & a Mayor (Teaneck) of Indian origin have yet to express their sorrow and concerns for the security of the community in New Jersey in the wake of brutal murder of Dr. Sinha. 1 Hindu Councilman (West Windsor) is MIA and other from Edison is siding with the authorities. Worst of all is Hindu Assemblyman & Dy Speaker of NJ Assembly who is publicly blaming the community for Dr Sinha’s murder for the show off of their wealth.
Most pathetic is to see Hindu community leaders & organizations using Dr Sinha’s murder for their personal vested interest and cheap media publicity. It is not difficult to understand what moral and ethical values these individuals have when they are making statements to media that Mayor Phillips of Old Bridge has agreed to name a park and a Science room in the School after late Dr. Sinha’s name. Further they are planning to hold a biggest ever block party out side Dr Sinha’s home; so that residents can interact with each other. In a one up showmanship administration created Christian Leader has announced a Neighborhood Crime Watch Petrol by the Citizens of Old Bridge. None of them are worried about Justice to Sinha family and maximum punishment to those who murdered Dr Sinha and administrative punishment to those who have failed to perform their fiduciary duties in protecting Indian residents of Old Bridge from racial discrimination and in protecting the life of Dr. Divyendu Sinha.
That day is not too far when all the 5 Juveniles will be free on bail and walking in Old Bridge with big smiles on their faces mocking the Indian community in the company of Indian Leaders connected with naming a Park and a Science room in the name of Dr Sinha, organizing biggest Block Party out side Dr Sinha’s house and Neighborhood Crime Watch Petrol.
If the community really cares for their own safety and well being of the fellow members of their community and their own families they will do what is morally and ethically correct under present circumstances. Without waiting for the so called Indian Leaders and organizations the community will demand State Investigations into the brutal murder of Dr Sinha by the Bias Crime Unit of Attorney General’s Office. Community must send a strong message to Gov Chris Christie that they are very upset with his and Attorney General Paula Dow’s shoddy and blatant reply treating Dr Sinha’s brutal murder as a minor burglary in the Sinha home in Old Bridge . Community members must ask Gov. Christie if he had behaved in the same manner if Dr Divyendu Sinha was from the Jewish or African or Hispanic minority?
I appeal to Indian community living in all 50 states of USA please unite and demand Federal Investigations into the brutal murder of Dr Sinha if Gov Christie refuse to accept the demand of the community for State Investigations by Bias Crime Unit at Attorney General’s Office.
How about you just call yourselfs Americans that would gain you alot of respect. Stop tring to be different.
“Stop trying to be different”?
This is the crux of the problem. We are united, we are a diverse nation that should support eachothers DIFFERENCES – this is not a Christian nation, a Muslim Nation, a Hindu Nation.
To FuelyourLife:
Can you say this to Jews?
Recently a Jew made a a complaint after 3 days of the so called incident that he was called racial comments by a passing car when he was walking to Synagauge along with his 10 year old son. With no evidence & no proof Prosecutor Kaplan announced this incident to be investigated as Biased Crime.
This is the same Kaplan who never took any actions against the knuckle heads who called Indians are cockroaches, animals, illiterates and illegal go home.
Police Union spouse/members/supporters never called “Americans” are animals…….
Now Dr Sinha’s brutal murder Kaplan does not feel it is a Biased Crime. He was asked to Recuse himself from the investigation on Aug. 8, 2010 so that State AG Biased Crime Unit can investigate the murder. It is more than 20 days racist & incompetent Kaplan is still the investigator to save few from OB Police Dept from their incompetency and racist behavior towards Indians.
We know that we are Americans first but when every one has a distinct identity why can’t the people of Indian origin also have one.
I agree whole heartedly that we should be able to have a unique identity.
I should clarify. What i didn’t like is this comment “Stop trying to be different”. We ARE all different and trying to get us all to “conform” is..ridiculous. You cannot expect Jews, Muslims, Christians to give up their beliefs.
TO FUELFOR LIFE:
Yes I do not expect Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhist & Hindus to give up their beliefs. But I do pray to God to give Christians some wisdom to stop saying Jews are the chosen people of the God.
We all are the chosen people of the God then why Jews & Christians are implying the rest are below them?
I am not exactly thrilled with the concept of ANYONE thinking they are better than anyone else, whether it be Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc. The issue does not only apply to Jews and Christians. The reason it seems more rampant here is because, according to them, “we entered their country”. We are “foreigners”. The same happened to the Jews when they entered this country many years ago. I don’t condone it, but thats their perspective. It WILL be washed out eventually. We can only keep progressing forward…there’s only so much we can do to make others “understand” us.
Its great to spread knowledge and thats exactly what you are doing so keep it up.
Old Bridge Mayor to lay off 31 cops for 2011
I think Joel Stein and the TIME article are to blame for the increase in hate crimes against Indians.
Joel Stein this message is for you: You must have been raised in a manner similar to these murderous teenagers, right? What exactly did your parents teach you. They must have taught you to hate people who do not look like you or who are different.
It must have been very similar to what the parents of these teenagers taught them. Hope the rest of the lives of these teenagers are ruined. May their families never rest in peace for the untold misery they have caused. You definitely must’ve been involved in such hate crimes. Did you also go about killing innocent men and women? I think you did, you were just lucky to not have been caught. Oh wait, you are one big evil trash – you wrote an article just so you could start a revolution of hatred.
Joel Stein – do not forget your ancestors also came from another country. How is it that you did not find anything funny or hateful about them. When it comes to your own flesh and blood, things seem perfect, right?
I am horrified a publication like TIME carried your article.
I pity your parents Mr Stein – perhaps they are not educated enough to have taught you the virtues of tolerance and kindness. You should be psychologically evaluated Mr Stein and so should your parents for having brought up a Xenophobic mindless racist son like you. May your family and descendents be cursed for the hate crimes you have perpetuated. God looks at all and nothing goes unpunished. May your family and children suffer like the sons of the innocent Divyendu Sinha. The pain and suffering that you have caused will ruin both your life and the lives of your children.
Apparently he was the only earner in his family. He leaves behind a wife and 2 sons (among other loved family members).
PLEASE CONSIDER A NOMINAL DONATION FOR HIS SONS’ EDUCATION. DO NOT ALLOW FOR THE LOW LIVES ACTIONS TO AFFECT HIS CHILDREN’S FUTURE – THAT WILL BE A REAL TRAGEDY.
Here for more: http://justicefordivyendufamily.wordpress.com/how-you-can-help/
Yes, I definitely think Time magazine article prompted this. I will never ever subscribe to the horrible Time magazine. I have stopped it right away. Peace to his family. Hope the 5 animals get death penalty
Asian communities were shocked, sad and angry. It was a hate crime.
There are three points to be made here:
1) The tragedy happened before June 25th.
Based on what we learnt the happening in school about the kids bullying and harassing accounts and the lack of administration (police etc) pro-active approach to reported issues with wayward teenagers. These seems to strong pointers something fell apart in the administration and school system.
2) The tragedy is not just Indian American, it is for all Americans.
It is important we make Officials understand that this is a tragedy. Period. It is not the question of whether it is Indian American but for any American. Only when we see it together, we will be most effective to get justice for the family. There is more. Losing such a brilliant technocrat is a loss to all humanity.
Whether there is a hate or bias should be left to prosecutor but we have to very vigilante that they took all evidence (such as social network sites where they boasted about the act and the school records and interviews with students and community) into account. Anyone pre judging whether it IS or it IS NOT are doing travesty to justice.
It is important to credit the prosecution for the speedy capture of those who did the crime, the administration and school board who responded effectively with sensitivity.
3) This is not the worst tragedy possible
Yes, the worst tragedy is there are more incidents of Dr. Divyendu Sinha because the administration, the school board, the prosecutor and the community has not done everything possible to stop this in the future. It could be administration and school board is afraid to expose any possible laxity for fear of law suits, it could be prosecutor is undue pressure to water down certain evidences or the community that has still not awakened.
No matter which community it is, when it moves into newer communities it is important they participate in the school activities in a visible manner, in larger community activities to show that we are also part of the whole. I am not aware of other communities, but Indian American communities has a lot to improve on this.
Regards,
Satya
We are very sorry for the Dr. Divyendu’s Family
Its Another Horrific Attach on Indians?
Are we(Indians) are Safe here?
The Problem With us is, We Just Roll Over to any Incidents without a fight, The main thing is we won’t have time to Care for others and We are not United People
I am Sorry to say these Hard Words But these are Naked True
Yeah I know what Else we can do, Fwd this message to Couple of friends and get back to the race with dollar?
“God Bless Indians”
well said
Very very true. I have first hand experience of this, since my arrival on usa soil in late ’89. Not one Indian family came to my rescue amidst stark domestic violence at the hands of my husband. And, this was not violence on me alone but an earlier indian ex-wife. We socialized with atleast 25 indian families including my real sister who is a doctor here from AIIMS, New Delhi and her Ph.D. Engineer husband, from IIT, Delhi. When the divorce and custody of children civil suit was filed by him, the female judge immediately ordered that I leave his house and my two children, ages 4 and 1,behind and fend for myself. I have to atlast accept that this is indeed a cruel, cold world.
Investigations by OB Police under a quasi criminal Indian Hater Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan is an insult to victims; Late Dr Sinha, his 2 children, wife & entire Indian community living in NJ & USA. Kaplan in a matter of Police Brutality under racial bias to an Indian refused to accept statement of 30-40 Indians by saying they are not credible witnesses. Took no action against Police Union responsible for calling “Indians are cockroaches, animals, illiterates and illegal go home.” These are worst ever called racial slurs in over 200yrs US history for any minority. Team Kaplan deported 1 Indian at a cost of over $100K violating every human right, US Law just to save a cop accused of police brutality under racial bias by that Indian. Then he took no action against a cop for showing racial apathy to 2 Indian victims of accident who could have been saved. Recently NJ SC CJ Rabner has ordered to file criminal complaint against Kaplan. PLEASE DEMAND INVESTIGATION BY ATTORNEY GENERAL’s BIAS CRIME UNIT.
How do we think we can make this guy, Kaplan, a jobless trash? That is what is important. May be a public awareness campaign should be launched against this pest.
take them behind the bar for 50 years and published it to all American news paper and then see.
This is nothing but a hate crime and it should be procecuted as such.
As economy gets worst and as this country’s status goes down, more and more of this hate crime will occur. We need to stop this before it gets worst. Remember “dot busters” in Jersey city,NJ few years ago. We need to stop and call NJ Senators and congressmen to prosecute this as hate crime.
Coverage of Dr. Sinha in Divya Bhasker
plz go to
http://digitalimages.divyabhaskar.co.in/EpaperPdf%5C21072010%5C20kal-pg4-0.pdf
and
http://digitalimages.divyabhaskar.co.in/EpaperPdf%5C21072010%5C20kal-pg6-0.pdf
Online version also: http://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/article/MAG-one-salas-death-1178826.html
I hope these kids gets charged as adults.
As we grieve for the family of Dr Sinha, we should be careful not to over react and let the right-wing elements of the Indian American community use this tragedy to promote their agenda of division. We have seen this happen time and again. Instead, lets work with the local law enforcement authorities to find out what was the real cause for this crime. After all they seem to be doing a good job until now. This crime effect all people regardless of ethnicity and religion, so to is a mistake to see it just as a crime only against the Indian American community. We need to join hands with other members of the community and take steps to enhance the safety and security of all citizens of this great country.
Thank you Yashpal for giving an appeal to be fair.
The truth is that Indian community also has its own problems.
It has not been completely responsible and sensitive to the civility existing in this society. But instead it has brought many ugly practices of the Indian society, and things have been becoming progressively worse day by day.
Those who have the capacity to be objective and emotionally unattached should contemplate on what damage, however subtle, we have been doing to the American society.
If we do not want such incidences to be repeated then the fundamental behavior of the whole community has to reform.
This is not the place to promote ourselves as intellectual elites with self-criticism. Yes, a lot of Indians are idiots. But are they found only in Indian community? No. On average, Indian origin community is more civilized than Caucasian community or any other ethnicity in my experience. That is why they are most prosperous on average.
Additionally, this does not fit in as Dr. Sinha was an intellectual, not a junkie.
Your comment is well taken, but there is no such thing as right-wing Indians. Most Indians don’t have the balls to exert influence in American society politically or financially. Having good earning and going to the temple is the limit. And I am not happy to see that.
Debasis: I can understand your anger, but you are falling into the same trap that many do of creating stereotypes. There are good and bad people in every community. While I concur that Indians can do more to integrate with other communities, this typically is the situation with the 1st generation of every migrant community. At the vigil i met with several young people from Old Bridge who are quiely taking positive steps to make change happen. We – you and me- should ask ourselves: Have we done our part?.
Also self-criticism can be good- if done with the intention to improve things- it is the sign of progress. Do not fear it!
Regards
YV
It is shocking. I thought Americans have overcome their racial malice and have high regards of people of Indian origin. The root-cause must be investigated and Obama should be invoved in cleaning up the American society of such malice and hatred. We are in Canada and would like to see such incidents never happen ever again anywhere in the world. We must protect people like Divyendu and others from being a victim.
My condolences to Divyendu’s family.
This is a crime which should make the American community to look at themselves to find what provokes such actions. Though this may have a racial face, I feel this portrays a deeper malaise in the mind set of the average citizen. Articles like in Time could accelerate such demonaic forces gaining ground in the society. The American system should take notice to prevent more serious damage which will have long lasting repercussions.
In addition to bringing the criminals to justice, it may prove useful to meet the parents/guardians of the criminals to get their views on reasons for their kids’ anti-social behaviour; and also to find out whether they feel remorse for this crime.
If Indian Americans can band together on a permanent basis and use their united legal and financial clout to make the law makers see reason and bring about a permanent redress to their genuine, long standing grievances; this unnecessary loss of a good life would have found some consolation.
how can we help you ?
If it was any non indian murdered all the media and press would be covering that story
till today. We as a indian community are too laid back not to raise a hell for all who are involved.Any other race would have created a big uproar for this.We as a indian should
be more aggresive in dealing with any such issues. It is never too late…lets get united
and show the world our strength and power.
What you are saying is true. However, it should also be enforced with economic power and a feeling of unity among the Indian origin population. That is what is missing today. That is why you see Joel Stein gets away with his racial slurs in the Time Magazine. What is more pathetic is that as an ethnic community, Indians are very affluent but have zero impact on local government and policies.
Remember that civil liberties are still not very old in America and there are people everywhere who do not have a rational human mind. Even a highly educated person like Joel Stein, who went to Stanford, is very biased with an agenda against folks of Indian origin. Things will, however, change as they are already. The great thing about America is that it changes at a speed very few other nations can even fathom. And the problem that comes along is the ability to adapt to the world from the local population.
This is an act of reckless inhuman behavior and the culprits should be punished and in this day of age we should not tolerate such cowardly acts of injustice. I would go even further that the government should ban these kind of persons and families from living in the area or they should be monitored on a regular basis. This is senseless act of criminal nature and the law should punish these people and show no leniency.
Yes, there are several factors that influence such violence. One could be Joel Stein’s article published in the Time. However, it is unlikely that the criminals would be subscribers of the Time or would have themselves read the article. What happens when this is published, often the less educated and semi-literate only hear about the contents from other sources. Often their understanding would be highly distorted and would trigger of strong reactions. I hope Joel Stein and the editorial management of Time and other publications will understand this and be careful in the future.
The other factor that is stirring up a lot of racial violence is the whole “Tea Party” movement. Whatever explanation those involved may give, it is very clear that this is a bunch of people who are trying to establish a racially motivated political opinion. In this case, I think the whole purpose is to create a fair amount of trouble and stir up racial sentiments to get a political advantage.
The State of New Jersey does not have capital punishment (i.e., the death penalty). The highest punishment for a state crime New Jersey is life in prison without parole. Furthermore, as the perpetrators are minors, even in states with capital punishment, it can’t be used against minors (regardless of whether they are tried as adults or not).
And there are way too many commenters here from India itself (as opposed to Indian-Americans), many of whose comments are quite irrelevant, seem to be misinformed (in the United States executions are generally done by lethal injection; thus no one is sent to “the gallows”), and furthermore make inappropriate Indian nationalistic comments (along the lines of “you should have never come to America, etc. etc., stay in India, etc. etc.”) that are highly insensitive given the loss the family and community has suffered. (And I’d like to point out you are much more likely to die from ethnic/sectarian violence in India than you are in the United States, or any Western First World country, for that matter.)
The United States of America is a nation of immigrants — 99% of the population is descended from ancestors who came to this nation from other lands, or came themselves to this country. We should not tolerate hate crimes of the nature that killed Mr. Sinha, and I find it appalling that such a crime occurred in a state (New Jersey), county (Middlesex County), and town (Old Bridge Township) with a large Indian population. Unfortunately, hate crimes such as these flare up anytime there is an economic recession. The last time there was a recession — the 1980s decade — there was insignificant anti-immigrant violence, and even in the early 1990s anti-Indian violence occurred in Jersey City, NJ. Since the early 1990s not much has happened, UNTIL NOW — ANOTHER RECESSION.
The Indian community in Middlesex County should contact their county’s prosecutor’s office and let it be known that they expect their county prosecutor to try these perpetrators as adults, and to apply the full force of the law against them. THEY SHOULD ALSO contact the United States Attorney for New Jersey’s office (that is, the federal prosecutor for New Jersey), as hate crimes (crimes motivated by actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and a host of other categories) are federal crimes as well, and these offenses can be prosecuted in a federal court.
Thank you for providing a more realistic and objective view.
Yes most comments do not seem to be from Indians Americans — but unfortunately even many of the Indian Americans continue to remain Indian in their thinking in a very unreasonable and biased way. They flare up when somebody says something against India, but it remains to be their second nature to behave in an uncivil and selfish way, even to their own (ex) fellow country men, when it comes to serving their own interests.
How does it affect affect American society? Has anybody thought over how the Indians have dominated the IT job market– from Director to the recruiter? Is it all because of their merit? Look at some of the companies like Cisco and Kaiser Permanente.
I have been in US now for over 25 years, and have seen the damage to this society because of the ever growing corrupt practices that have been migrating from India to US.
First generation immigrants are usually tied more to their country of origin regardless of ethnicity. That, by itself, is neither a crime nor something abnormal.
Interestingly, I have been in the IT market for many years and following your example, I had also held director positions just like many others here. Why is that bad. I have the arrogance to tell you that I can kick more ass in both business and technology than many others in the field and hence I was given those responsibilities. Same is true for others in this forum as well. Where is corruption here? Why is it bad that Indians are dominating the IT job market?
If there are incompetent folks in IT whether from Indian ethnicity or Caucasian, just don’t hire them. That is what we all do. However, I have no idea what problems are there for Cisco etc.. And frankly, I don’t even care.
Additionally, these references probably has nothing to do with Dr. Sinha. I have not heard anybody saying he was corrupted or any such thing. I also do not believe that in that township there were too many bad Indian social influencer (quite a mouthful) there that could have led to this retaliation. In fact, there is no professional connection to the crime given the profile of the killers.
They must be prosecuted as an adult.
The message we have to send across to our politicians and law makers is that there is racial terrorism brewing in your backyard. And here we (the United States) are pretending to be the big brother in our pursuit to fight terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need to emphasize to our law makers, that if justice is not done to us, then they will be alienating us from the rest of fellow Americans at their own peril. We as Asian Indians have integrated very well with the society and contributed a lot, this needs to be realized and acknowledged.
Divyendu was my classmate for first 3 years before he changed his course from Civil Engg to Comp. Engg. He was a class topper & very jolly fellow. I can still remember him with his then curly hair & mischievous looks.
The brutal attack on Divyendu is some indication that americans are loosing hopes against non-americans, who are overtaking them in all spheres due to their intellectual capabilities coupled with dedication & hardwork. The parents of teenager are to be equally blamed as they have no control over their kids. I think the reasons are more deeper than one can think as possibly this may be failure of the american culture.
I pray to almighty God to give enough courage to Divyendu’s family so that they can withstand the shock of their life & let the soul of my friend Divyendu rest in peace.
I thought he was an American, right?
Divyendu was an “american” just as his attackers were. This is not about americans versus “non americans”. This needs to be emphasized repeatedly and loudly if there is to be any hope of justice from the american system. This is about racial prejudice and hatred between americans of different ethnicities.
Extremely sad to hear about his sudden demise. His killing came as a shock. All IITians shall unite to raise their voice against such a crime. Criminals should be punished.
My heartfelt condolences for the family.
Deeply breaved
Subrata, Met ’73, LLR
Dibyendu was my wing mate (B-First Floor, Nehru Hall). He was a Bindaas fellow and we used to Play TT together after midnight. Brilliant in acedemics and a great company, we called him Baccha as the rest of wingmates(including me) were two years his senior. He was our regular company in nightshow movies in the town. My grief has no bounds. I share this grief with my other wingmates i.e. Vyas, Mahapatro, Asgekar, Jaju, Sankatharan, Vishwanath, Purandare, Satish Chandra Abhijit Dutta and others.
I pray God to give strength and courage to the family to face this great loss.
United States is as bad as India in terms of domestic violence. Indian cmmunity must take this incident to the highest level to get to culprits to the gallows.
very sad tragic incident indian american future in jeopardy judiciary must act against
criminals
Shocking!
I pray for the departed soul and the bereaved family.
Thank you Gaurang, Satya, Sreedhar and friends for organising support.
In the last year, we have had racial incidents too in Australia. Government has woken up and taken action, particularly in response to the university sector (see http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/15/forbes-india-indian-students-give-oz-a-pass.html?partner=globalnews_newsletter).
The local universities should be mobilised to demand effective city, state and federal Government responses to this tragic event.
The political leadership has an obligation to make clear to the majority community that racial attacks will not be tolerated.
Actually, Australia is becoming a racist government institutionally. The article you referred to is actually written for an Indian publishing of Forbes which provides the Indian perspective. Reading the current reports from Australia does not make me think that the racial bias is going to go away from the Aussie lawmakers very soon. As the magazine reported the view of some in Australia, that the recent shrinkage of Indian student is also an effect of the tighter visa rules specifically targeted to certain communities. Overpopulation and lack of opportunity back in India will push students to these countries regardless of the threats the pose on their lives. The only difference will be the decline of student quality in Australian universities. That is simply supporting the demand-supply theory.
This was recently updated to nj.com.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/prosecutor_seeks_to_try_old_br.html
My sincere condolences and sympathy for Dr. Sinha’s family. May his soul rest in peace and people who are responsible for this should be punished. It is a big shame that country like USA can’t secure their citizen’s life. We are unfortunate immigrants who leave country for better life but we are so worng. Unemployment, uncertainlity and unfriendly issues are dominant here.
These acts of violence at such an inhuman scale should not be tolerated by civil socities and these animals who committed it should be taken to task , we all need to set an example by making sure justice is served , my heart goes out Dr. Divyendu Sinha’s family ,may God give you courage to deal with terrible loss!!
The criminals should be punished as adults for the ridiculous acts that they had made. They should be taught a lesson, that you can not be set free with just a slap on the wrist.
My heartfelt condolences to Dr.Divyendu Sinha’s family. No discussion , comments, meetings will give any of us any peace till all these criminals are punished to the fullest extents. So, my 2 cents to all the fellow citizens, please put pressure on the local goverment, justice officials and make sure the justtice is served. if these criminals get away this time, it is inevitable that this sort of crime will happen again.
I am going to talk and spread it to the highest echelons of american society that this what happened to Dr SINHA is totally unamerican. America will be a divided country if this happens. America should set an example to the world that we Americans beleive in totally following the American Constitution which was laid by our American Founders who were all immigrants.
Prayers to the family and friends of Dr. Divyendu Sinha. May you keep your attention towards God so that you feel Him within more then ever. He will protect you and keep you strong, just keep turning towards him with your love and devotion.
Love and best wishes.
May the deceased rest in peace. The lord sees each of us through till our end and thereafter. peace.
Sad that even today sucj hate crimes occur,, especially in such highly indian dominated state and city….May god give his family strength and his soul rest in peace…The Indian community should definitely get together and raise a unified voice against such torture….
Let me put the issue in a practical and raw manner. Some people have no reason to torture or kill others. Now, how would be stop them? Nothing can you do about it. Secondly, Get a green card or become a citizen or do whatever you want, even after 3-4 generations, you are an alien here. Frankly, money and lifestyle is the ONLY motivator to come over here. Along with it comes many unknown but deadly combinations like guns, race, nuclear life, teen pregnancy, drugs in schools and all the stuff.
Take all the action you need on the perpetrators, would this happen again? Hell yes. Read todays news about Attack on Indians (for the umpteenth time) in Australia.
Get over it and move on. If you feel better to die in your motherland, plan accordingly. Help out your motherland for all it has given to you and hope for the best when staying here.
Bad luck India lost an intellectual and bad luck he did not use his brain for India’s betterment. I pray for the reminder family for their safety and condolences for them.
It doesn’t matter what he did or did not do for his country, nor should it matter if he was an intellectual. The basic fact is this should not have happened, and he was attacked for no reason. Indians, and all people of color, should feel free to live anywhere in America and should feel safe to do so. The fact that this attack occurred in the first place is an example of a corrupt community, police, and government that has failed to protect the well being of ALL of their citizens.
I think the Indian nationalist sentiments are off-topic here. These crimes do happen everywhere, including India. Just that the news does not spread so well there. Regional sentiments are also problematic in India even though it is one Indian against another there.
In any case, this is a terrible news and the criminals deserve a prompt capital punishment.
Let me correct you. Even here in NJ – this was many Americans against another American. The victim was no less an American than his attackers, just looked different is all.
Difficult as you may find it to believe, some of us are actually here for more than just the lifestyle and money, and actually happen to believe in this country’s principles, embrace its culture and spirit in totality. This includes fighting for what is right, defending one’s family, values and community to the best of our ability, and actively integrating oneself into the local community and being a true active citizen of this country.
If all of us were to take up your defeatist attitude and move over to the “motherland” as you call it, this would be one heck of a bleak place indeed. I for one am proud to call this my “motherland” and am willing to do whatever I can to preserve its uniqueness and qualities.
May be one should set up a website just for this case so that “all” pertinent information is available on it. Then send a note to Time in connection with Joel Stein and link the two by pointing out that it is just this meaningless bigoted statements that whip up public frenzy amongst white trash in particular. We have to make sure that this is treated as a “hate crime” and not as some random violent incident.
I do believe very strongly that there is a connection between the article in ‘TIME’ and the murder of Dr. Divyendu. It created hatred for Indian- Americans. The damage has already been done and any apologies from ‘Time’ is not going to make a difference since the article has already been read by so many people. I am disgusted with the author who is so open about his rasicm and hate, but am even more shocked at the editor who let this article be published. It was in no way a humorous or funny article, but was downright insulting to Indian-Americans. I will not be buying any copies for ‘Time’ ever.
Like someone said earlier, I do agree that no matter how many years you have lived in America and even if you have been citizens for a long time, you are still aliens here trying to fit in. We can’t ever let go of who we are-our spicy, smelly food, culture -’dots on our foreheads’, our dress , our Religion and our faith in Gods with many hands and heads (we know that they stand for many attributes/qualities–and no one will ever get it, not even Desi kids raised here. There was an article in ‘Times of India’ after an Indian in Australia was murdered. It said that Indian students should try to fit in the culture like other Chinese/Japanese kids. They should give up ‘Hing’ in their diet, use more chemicals on their bodies (They call it perfumes and colognes), and give up watching Hindi movies on weekends and instead go out for a drink with them and party with them. Is it really something that’s possible or recommended? Our food is our medicine-It takes care of digestion with the heavy meal. Hing and aniseeds are regular in our diet, using ‘anti-perspirants is like stopping your urine with toxins still inside you. (I do recommend ‘Deodorants’, but check in the market how many only deodorants you find as opposed to anti-perspirants. And personally I would rather my child watch Hindi movies with some Indian friends than party with drinks and girls with other folks.
shocked and saddened. may his soul rest in peace and may his family have the strength to endure the loss. may his attackers get duw punishment so we all could feel some reassurance.
May your soul rest in peace..
I agree its wake up call for community
Dave, you will be missed. I enjoyed working with you, and it’s just not the same around here without your smart remarks, your charming sense of humor, and “get it done” attitude.
To the family, I hope you can carry on with your lives. I know it’s tough, and some days will be worse than others. Just pray for strength and keep moving forward. My thoughts are with you.
This is a perfect example of domestic terrorism. Our government is so preoccupied with terrorist that our thousand of miles away in a far away country that they have completely dropped the ball on the terrorist in our own back yard.
I only wish I was there to protect Mr. Sinha, I assure you those bastards would have been broken to pieces. I also send the most brutal wishes and curse all the evil beings that are planning to do this to some other innocent person.
May God pay you back a million times in bliss for the pain this life has brought you and your family Mr. Sinha.
I send you my love.
You must armyourselves to protect yourselves against this AMERICAN HOARDE havinglawyers and high paying jobs doesnot insulate you from attack get more alarms systems and sell your Mercedes and buy Chevys so you do not stand out from the crowd. And we must censor JOEL Stein for his lies in his article
Action must be taken immideatly so that next timetheydont think american indians are easy targets it’s a call for whole indian community to show how hard it could get if they try to harm us.
This is very well written. We need to react as a community and punish the criminals. This is the oppurtunity for us as a community how strong we are.