south asian hate crime in nyc

> Press Contact: Vinoo Varghese, 212-430-6468
>
> Madhu R. Goel,
> 212-826-5581
>
>
>
> For immediate release:
>
>
>
> On the night of December 22, early
> December 23, 2006, Ashwani Nagpal, one of the owners
> of Leela Lounge, known to many of his patrons as a
> friend and a well-liked member of the community, was
> beaten to the point of unconsciousness in his own
> restaurant by a number of individuals, all in their
> twenties.
>
>
>
> Leela Lounge, a popular India-inspired
> restaurant in the NYU area where many fundraising
> events have been hosted by a variety of
> organizations and individuals, has been a part of
> the Greenwich Village community for approximately a
> year. Early December 23, 2006, individuals who were
> present at a holiday party at Leela Lounge attacked
> both Mr. Nagpal and his friend and co-worker,
> Asheesh Mathur. Thankfully, both Mr. Nagpal and Mr.
> Mathur escaped the incident alive; however, Mr.
> Nagpal suffered injuries to the head and Mr. Mathur,
> a fractured nose and cracked jaw. During the course
> of these assaults, racial and ethnic slurs were
> directed to at least one of the victims. It is
> chilling to realize that members of the South Asian
> and Greenwich Village community could suffer this
> sort of violent crime by patrons at their own
> establishment.
>
>
>
> Although several individuals were
> responsible for the assault, five individuals were
> arrested that night and are currently facing
> criminal charges for violent gang assault, but as of
> yet, no indictment has been made. There is a court
> date scheduled for February 20, 2007. In the
> meantime, the community is being urged to contact
> the DA's office to encourage full prosecution of the
> case and to show support for Mr. Nagpal and Mr.
> Mathur.
>
>
>
> We need you.
>
> What you can do, if you want to help:
>
> 1) If you or anyone you know was at Leela
> Lounge on the night of the attack, the night of
> December 23, 2006, it is very important that you
> step forward as you may have information helpful to
> the investigation. Please contact: 212-335-9000.
> Let them know you are calling about People of the
> State of New York v. Anthony Diblasio et al. Docket
> #2006NY087241-244, Docket #2006NY087219.
>
>
>
> 2) Write a letter to the DA's office. Until an
> indictment is issued, there is a chance we might be
> able to influence the DA in which path he chooses to
> pursue. The letter should not be antagonistic in
> tone, but it could convey your support for seeing
> this case prosecuted fully and your opposition to
> any plea bargains. Please write to: Honorable
> Robert M. Morgenthau, District Attorney, One Hogan
> Place, New York, New York, 10007; OR CALL:
> 212-335-9000. Let them know you are calling about
> People of the State of New York v. Anthony Diblasio
> et al. Docket #2006NY087241-244, Docket
> #2006NY087219.
>
>
>
> 3) Rally everyone you know to come out to
> Manhattan Criminal Court (100 Centre Street, Part F,
> 9:30 am) on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, as a silent
> witness and a peaceful supporter. Help us show the
> judge and the DA's office, how much this case means
> to our community. Numbers matter! Spread the word
> to all of your friends, leaders, and any media
> contacts. Convince the media that this is a story
> worth covering.
>
>
>
>
>
> Jimmy Yan
>
> General Counsel
>
> Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
>
> One Centre Street, 19th Floor
>
> New York, NY 10007