TORONTO: A disturbing incident is reported to have occurred at a mosque in the City of Markham, Canada where, as per witnesses, male suspect arrived in a vehicle and drove directly at one of the worshippers, while yelling threats and religious slurs. The suspect then drove dangerously in the parking lot before leaving the property. The incident has been labelled as a suspected hate crime.
Investigators with the York Regional Police 5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged a suspect, identified as 28-year-old Sharan KARUNAKARAN from Toronto, with several criminal offences.
Members of the Intelligence Unit and Hate Crime Unit worked in conjunction with the 5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau to identify the suspect. Sharan KARUNAKARAN has been charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving.
Members of the Hate Crime Unit attended the mosque to offer support to its members following the incident. The suspect was held for a bail hearing and his next scheduled appearance is at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the Town of Newmarket on April 11, 2023.
This alarming incident has sparked concerns about the rise of Hindutva terrorism in Canada, with many calling for stronger measures to prevent hate crimes and ensure the safety of marginalized communities. Local police have reassured the public that they take hate crimes very seriously and will continue to work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.
We have been greatly distressed to learn about an apparent violent hate crime at a Markham mosque, where an individual yelled slurs, tore up a Quran, and attempted to run down worshippers in his vehicle.
There will be a press conference on Monday with more details to come. pic.twitter.com/zWv1hUGz4N
— NCCM (@nccm) April 8, 2023
