California Hindu Man Allegedly Insults and Attacks Muslim Girl

September 6, 2002

Source: San Jose Mercury News

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/4015294.htm

On September 6, 2002 the San Jose Mercury News reported that "prosecutors charged an East Palo Alto man Thursday with assault with the intent to rape a 15-year-old girl... but they did not charge him with a hate crime... Palo Alto police reported that the suspect, 18-year-old Sanjay Nair, who is Hindu, made comments before and during the alleged assault of the Muslim girl that prompted officers to book him on both rape and hate crime charges... 'We don't believe that was the substantial motivation for that attack,' said Assistant District Attorney Karyn Sinunu, explaining why the charge was not filed... Sinunu said that Nair did have discussions with the girl about her being a Muslim and 'they weren't positive discussions.' But she would not elaborate on those comments."