Long Island Rail Incident Encapsulates Post 9/11 Experience for Sikh American

March 14, 2003

Source: India Abroad

On March 14, 2003 India Abroad interviewed Gurpreet Singh concerning the harassment he suffered on a New York City subway train, and the Samaritans who came to his rescue. After recounting the harassment incident, Singh said, "' Then the most amazing thing happened!' Singh recalled. 'This stranger offered me a seat and told me not to worry'... the station was approaching and Singh's savior got up to get off. He first went to the drunk and told him to stay away from Singh or to move to the next car. What no one knew at that time was that the guy standing up for Singh was an off-duty NYPD officer, Captain Stephen Hughes of Midtown North Precinct. 'It became clear that this guy was not going to let this go. I knew I couldn't leave it at that,' Hughes told India Abroad... 'So I told him if he went after Gurpreet he would first have to go after me. It was obvious that he was trying to provoke me into starting something,' Hughes remembers... 'Most people thought the argument was between the two of us, and a dark-skinned gentleman asked me to release the doors so the train could move, 'Hughes says. 'I explained the situation to him and what was going on.' 'It was amazing, this gentleman, who was about six feet and well built, then assured Hughes he wouldn't let any harm come to me,' says Singh. 'Both complete strangers ready to fight another stranger for my rights. That's the beauty of America.' Good Samaritan Captain Hughes told India Abroad: 'I am prepared to go all the way in backing up Singh in court if it comes to that.' The hearing is set for June 11."