Sikh Boy Admits His Attack Was A Lie

[Sikhman]

Sikh boy admits his attack was a lie Date: 12/25/2006

News Source: http://observer.guardian.co.uk

A Sikh schoolboy, who prompted an inter-faith vigil to promote peace, respect and tolerance after claiming his hair was chopped off by racist thugs, invented the story.

The 15-year-old, in tears, gave a graphic description of a vicious verbal and physical attack by four white males who struck as he walked near his home in Edinburgh. His story was widely reported because of its unusually aggressive nature. It is the Sikh tradition for males to keep their hair uncut and not to shave their beard or moustache.

The teenager claimed that, after being punched and kicked, he fell to the ground, had his bandana-style head-covering torn off and his hair chopped off with a knife. At the time community leaders explained that a Sikh's hair is sacred, and for someone to cut it off in such an attack was akin to someone taking his life.

The boy had told police he

was attacked in Pilrig Park

Police investigating the claims questioned more than 120 people and studied hours of CCTV footage.

In addition, the vigil was held to promote inter-faith tolerance. It was attended by hundreds of Sikhs who had travelled from across the UK, as well as by community leaders and representatives of other religions. Scores of residents from the shocked community turned out to express their support.

Although the boy did not require hospital treatment, it was reported that he had some bruising and swelling on his nose and cheeks. He also had racist remarks written on him.

But it has emerged that he cut off his own hair, punched himself in the face and concocted the story. It is understood he was experiencing personal problems. Sources say that he felt torn between his Sikh values and more westernised ones. They said he had wanted to get his hair cut for some time, but was afraid of the reaction of some members of his family and the Sikh community.

A source close to the investigation said: 'There were a lot of things that weren't adding up. There were severe doubts. Eventually he admitted he'd made the whole thing up.'

Lothian and Borders police confirmed that the reported attack had not taken place and said the boy had expressed deep regret for the consequences of what he had done. It is understood that no further action will be taken and the teenager will not be reported for wasting police time. Sikh leaders are expected to tell their community of the outcome at a service today.

Superintendent Ramzan Mohayuddin, area commander for North and Leith, urged people to accept that the boy acted not 'out of malice, but due to emotional pressures, including cultural identity issues'.

Last night the Edinburgh Sikh Gurudwara Committee released a statement thanking the police and all those from around the world who had offered support. It urged that the circumstances should not to be used to undermine the reality of real faith and race-hate crime, and said the matter was now one of child protection. 'It is obvious the boy has been suffering deep anguish and a crisis of faith which has resulted in him harming himself,' the statement said.

'We take a compassionate view and at the same time acknowledge the challenges our youth, and not just the Sikh youth, are facing in society at large. We will take this opportunity to ensure our young people feel able to discuss difficult matters on life and faith in a supportive environment.'

The Rev Donald Reid, co-convener of the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association, said the incident highlighted the need for support, but also for 'the views, difficult realities and challenges of our youth to be heard and appreciated'.

Lorna Martin, Scotland editor

Sunday December 24, 2006

The Observer

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