CRIME: Leela Lounge Incident and How You Can Help

[ Welcome, Gothamist readers - thanks for stopping by.]

[ UPDATE: The first version of this called it a hate crime, but you will notice that phrase is NOT in the press release. I apologize for the confusion. ]

Here's a press release about a very disturbing incident in NYC - an attack against a popular young club owner, Ashwani Nagpal. Unlike a lot of incidents about which you can just read helplessly and take no action, this one has concrete ways you can easily help get Nagpal some justice. Please read on and pass onto your friends. We will post updates here regularly. See coverage on Brooklyn Masala blog - including information about a fundraiser there on this Saturday, 1/20. Post your comments below.

Press Contacts:
Vinoo Varghese, vinoovarghese [at] hotmail.com - 212-430-6468
Madhu R. Goel, madhu.goel [at] gmail.com -  212-826-5581

        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
20s.

        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.

-30-

Post your comments below.

Comments

[Veena Shetty]

A couple of years ago I met a very successful Mumbai born Indian doctor, based in NY, with a doctor wife and two lovely children who studied in private schools. During a conversation about India he told me "India is a garbage can." I replied "Everything that comes out of the garbage can is garbage."

Those who keep denigrating and demeaning India and Indian Culture cannot afford to complain about racism because after all everything that comes out of the garbage can is garbage.

If you want to be treated well, be careful about every word you say about India and Indian culture. Every negative thing you say about India will come back to haunt you at a later date.

If you do not respect yourself no one will.

P.S:I defy you to publish this email

[JM]

I got the email alerting me to this hate crime. The email even identified the race of the attackers - ' White '. Is that true? I ask because I see no mention of the race in this new communique. Was it a rushed assumption that the attackers would be White? I'd like to know. If they are not White we should be told so now.

[Jaya Kamlani]

This is in response to Veena Shetty's comment.

We cannot see India through primrose lenses. We have to see it like it is. There is a lot of good about India, but there are also areas that need improvement. e.g. lack of electricity and water, over-population, runaway crime in cities, political corruption, disparity between the rich and the poor, lack of education in some villages, women are still treated as second class citizens, and we rank second in the world in AIDS cases, and so on...

Am I afraid that the facts I state would someday come back and haunt me? NO. If we can admit the problems of India or America, then we can have an honest discussion to address the issues and determine appropriate solutions.

One of the issues in America is racial and religious discrimination. There is no denying that. Just look back to the last election and the "Macaca" moment. Then again, don't we have discrimination between the Hindus and Muslims and the Christians/Catholics and Parsees in India?

I think the best way to prevent discriminatory acts of violence is by education. The more we mingle with the Americans, the more they will know us. Let us say, you had two good Chinese friends and a good African-American and a Muslim friend. Would you then hate Chinese, Africa-Americans or Muslims? NO. Because through your relationship with your friends you have realized that they are very nice people. So it is essential we reach out to all Americans and educate them about us, so they do not hate us. It is ignorance and fear of us that makes them hate us.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[JM]

I am still awaiting a clarification on the race of the attackers. It'd be extremely irresponsible to broadcast emails identifying the attackers as " Caucasians " when they actually were not White.

Thanks

[guys read the post]

Look at the post and you'll see.
People of the State of New York v. Anthony Diblasio et
al. Docket #2006NY087241-244, Docket #2006NY087219

[Michele]

I am horrified by this. I read about it on Gothamist, and as a New York native, I think this is disgusting.

However, does it matter what color the attackers were? If these men are hurt, perhaps for life, does it matter what color the people were who did it?

I am African-American. My people have long dealt with persecution in this country. Unlike many Indians, we do not have a country to go home to; we have been on these shores for over 300 years. We have to live among people who may hate us every day. Yet many of us have made the best of this. For every sorry and ignorant African-American you see, there are hundreds more of us who are doing well and holding our heads high- even though we know there are people who still commit hate crimes against us, simply because we have some color in our skin. Indians should try to learn from this. For many of you now, this is home. You cannot or will not go back home. This is home. And there are ignorant people of all ethnic groups who will hate you for foolish reasons, without even knowing you. Since this is home, however, you will have to deal with them, educate them, and refuse to be mistreated by them.

The only way to survive and thrive here is to learn the ways of all people, while joining with other people of color over the things that matter. Whatever you were considered in India, in the US, you are considered as 'black' as me and my brethren and are therefore as liable to be hated, mistreated, and killed as we are. Likewise, like many other immigrant groups, you carry the temporary stigma of being seen as 'foreign' and therefore strange to those whose paranoia, ignorance and hate will not allow them to accept strangers. Keeping to yourselves or seeing yourselves as 'Indian' and everyone else here as 'American' will not make life easier for you. You must demand your place at the table in America; not as foreigners asking to be welcomed, but as Americans and as future Americans who share in the same Constitution as everyone else. That doesn't mean you have so lose your cultural values, but it does mean that you need to not see yourself as other. You share in the same pains and joys as all Americans, and you must refuse to let others define you as NOT American simply because you do not have pale skin or speak with an accent.

[Sudarshan Setlur]

Mr. Nagpal is known to me because of his generosity towards a non-profit cause I'm part of called Asha for Education. As part of the fund raising efforts we regularly had to hold meetings and since we operate without offices to keep overheads low we depend on various establishments to allow us to conduct the meetings. Mr. Nagpal was always gracious and accomodating and let us use part of the premises. I will not claim to know him intimately but he was a gentleman in his conduct with us. I will write a letter to the AG's office for sure and I hope he recovers soon and the criminals are brought to justice.

[Jaya Kamlani]

I agree with Michele's suggestions. She has some pearls of wisdom to offer. Michele, I hope you contribute more of your thoughts to the SAJA Forum blog.

Assimilation with all groups of Americans is very important for Indians. The tendency for Indians is to hang around other Indians for a security blanket. I see many young Indians gravitate towards their Indian friends, Indian music and Indian movies only. The idea is to break out of the comfort zone and let your voice be heard, and permit yourself to grow with wonderful experiences of other cultures, while remembering "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." That does not mean we have to forget our culture, but it does mean we show grace and dignity when mingling with out neighbors, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of ethnicity that America has to offer. We have so much to learn from each other and share our experiences as well.

-- Jaya Kamlani

[JM]

Ms Kamlani,

I am still waiting for either you or Ms Goel to clarify the racial identity of the attackers. I am not sure why are you guys dodging my question - were the attackers all White and were they hurling racist abuse? Ms Goel's original email was screaming White on Desi crime. Of course the racial identity of the attackers is not important. It's a horrible crime period. But why had Ms Goel felt the need to declare the racial identity of the attackers and paint the incident as a hate crime. From the ensuing discussion at Brooklyn Masala's blog ( where a witness to this incident has chimed in ) it seems it was neither a hate crime nor were the attackers all White. Can we expect Ms Goel to broadcast another email apologizing for rushing to judgment?

Thanks

[Veena Shetty]

In response to Jaya Kamlani I would like to clarify that I was born and raised in India unlike some of you in this group and I know exactly what kind of problems India faces. I do not view India through rose colored glasses as you seem to believe.

The fact remains that as long as we denigrate and demean India and Indian culture we cannot expect others to respect us.

Have you ever seen the Jerry Springer show? The audience roars with laughter when the guests on the show denigrate their family, friends etc and then go home feeling nothing but absolute contempt for them.

Similarly when we denigrate India and Indian Culture the audience might find all the fuss very amusing and entertaining but they go home feeling nothing but contempt for us.

So those who deingrate India and Indian Culture should not complain about racism. It is the direct result of your own behaviour.

And I will repeat what I said before-You cannot be better than the garbage can you come from.

Everytime you open your mouth to speak about India you are creating an image that is taken very very seriously by outsiders who may never even have visited India.

As the great philosopher Dr. Phil says, "You teach people how to treat you." If you expect to treated with respect then treat yourself with respect first.

[Nil Vasa]

I really think you Indians are hyppocrites.
I'm Indian-American, and frankly I have been discriminated by not only whites but also by Indians.

Before anyone says the attackers were whites or caucasian, get your facts straight. Remember when the Oklahoma City Bombing occurred? The first thing the white reporters said it was probably Muslim terrorists.

This isn't just about a hate crime, it's also about justice and fair play. Anyone who is assuming it's a white person and not checking out the facts is behaving no differently.

And you're right, In India, it's worse. I am Indian and wonder if I should feel pride or shame because so many Indians today are superficial, materialistic, insecure, and sttus-minded.

Indian men are too desperate either to get married or to get laid(that's what I've seen at NetIP conferences), and the Indian women are stuck up or just want to marry a doctor.

Frankly you all deserve what you get.

[Sudarshan Setlur]

The postal code for the DA's office is 10013, not 10007

http://www.manhattanda.org

[Madhu R. Goel]

Yes, all of the attackers that evening, though at a South Asian gathering, were Caucasian.

My initial email was intended to reach only my close friends to inform them of the incident after first learning about it. It was circulated beyond my intended scope and because there was nothing in the media, it became the unintended and unqualified "news source" of the story.

Although I am an attorney, I do not practice civil rights law nor work for the government and any reference in my initial email to "hate crime" was more descriptive of my personal opinion and own thoughts on the matter than any type of legal conclusion.

The information we have learned since, through talks with the D.A., is that the D.A.'s office has not decided whether to prosecute this as a "hate crime" under the statute. They are continuing to investigate the matter, build evidence, and seek eyewitnesses that can shed light as to what occurred that evening and what was said. Accordingly, those of us who have volunteered our time to help Ashwani and Asheesh have the understanding, from what we know so far, that although racial animous was a factor that played out at some point in the attack, at least towards Asheesh, we do not yet have the information (nor does the D.A.) to label this as a "hate crime" under the statute. Ultimately, we seek to encourage eyewitnesses to come forward, to educate the community on what occurred so that people can be conscious of what can happen, and to inform those who are in a similar situation as to who to call and which organizations to reach out to. Whether a "hate crime" or not, any violent attack in my opinion is fueled by some type of hate. The fact of the matter is that two members of not only the South Asian community, but the community at large were attacked and one of them happens to be someone I consider a friend. If this crime is ultimately labeled under the law as not a "hate crime", I find it no less appalling. I am inspired and truly amazed at the way the community has mobilized and given their consideration and time to this. I am truly sorry that Ashwani and Asheesh had to pay the price -- but to see such strength and concern in our community -- South Asians and beyond -- is uplifting.

[Jaya Kamlani]

In response to JM's comments:
My earlier comments were based on the report circulated that it was a hate crime. I was not an eye witness to this, because I don't live in New York or New Jersey. So, I'm glad Madhu Goel explained the situation. I was just trying to bring the community together and have them mix with other Americans so as to avoid future hate crimes.

Since the media light is going to be on the young Indians in New York during the investigation, I think it would serve our community well to keep a low profile. We have to always show grace under fire; confidence, not vulnerability. So make sure no one loses their cool during this period.

In response to Veena Shetty:
I am glad you feel good about India. I do too, except I like to address issues - Indian or American. I grew up in Bombay and graduated from St. Xavier's College long ago. So I do have feelings for India and for the Indians in America. I also feel for America and its people, because I have been living in this country for a very long time.

Let's hope Ashwani and Asheesh recover with God's speed. I think this is also a time for all of us to come together. Sadly, it takes a tragedy or a war for people of a community or a country to come together. I believe we are at that stage now.

Jaya Kamlani

[Deena Patel]

I know Ashwani Nagpal and Asheesh Mathur through Asha for Education, and they have been nothing but generous and kind to us. I truly feel horrible about this...

The law is difficult, but whether they (the attackers) are prosecuted for committing a hate crime or simply as assault, they will not go unpunished - it's a question of severity. Here is more info about hate crimes...
http://www.aaldef.org/violence.php

I've heard that John Liu has become involved, and it seems that the Asian community is also starting to mobilize. For now, we can do what has been recommended (contact the DA's office or show up at the rally).

[Joy]

Michele, Indians (maybe not the present generation) too have lived with persecution both racial and otherwise for over three hundred years. Previous generations of many Indians here may not have had the opportunity to get even a decent education if their forefathers had not literally laid down their lives to fight against injustice and unfair treatment (like the restaurant in colonial Calcutta that read "Dogs and Indians Not Allowed'). Also Jaya, 'gravitating' to people you may perceive as being sympathetic to 'one's' cause is not necessarily wanting to stay in the comfort zone, it is seeking power in numbers, which has worked in the past for all peoples, be they colonial Indians standing up against the British Raj, African-Americans standing for equality, or non-Caucasians in present day America. I am not assuming that the attack was racially motivated, but I am going to be there on Feb. 20th, just as hundreds of African Americans lent their voice to protest against the slaying of Sean Bell, which also may or may not have been racially motivated. No one can really say if any of these events are racially motivated, but if you and me do not stand up and speak, the message you are sending out is that even if it was racially motivated 'it is ok'.

[Moncy Mathews]

I think more of us should also study Criminal Justice and work in the field of policy making, criminal investigators in the District Attorney's Office and Assistant District Attorneys in the DA's Office, etc. so that we can directly have an influence in these situations and help make a positive difference in the society. I don't believe enough South Asian's or Indian's are interested in the field of Criminal Justice. I completed a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College with a concentration in Police and Community Relations, and its a rewarding experience.

If racial and ethnic slurs were directed at the victim(s) during the course of the assaults then this crime should be classified as a hate crime or a bias crime.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Joy, thanks for addressing my reference to Indians 'gravitate towards their Indian friends.' I have no problems at all if any of you challenge my way of thinking. What I am referring to is Indians forming clicks in colleges and in social life. If we do not mix with other Americans, how do we know what they think of us, or how can we influence their thinking? If they have a wrong image of us, this would be one way to correct it, by connecting with them and understanding other people's causes, not just ours. We have to play a role in our communities where we live and work. If we want other Americans to empathize with us, we should feel likewise towards them.

But in this situation where our brethren were injured, of course I totally agree that we need to unite and fight for the cause, otherwise I would not be sitting here a thousand miles away from the scene and corresponding on the subject. But the same should be true if we saw any person being beaten, be it a Mexican or an Irish or an African-American man or woman being beaten. We should do our civic duty and not walk away.

Jaya Kamlani

[Jaya Kamlani]

Correction in my last coment: Wrong choice of word (missspelled), but not wrong thought. When I said, "Indians forming clicks in colleges and in social life", I meant "forming cliques (groups)".

One more note, if we talk of color, race and religion discrimination in America, we must not discount the fact we have the same problem in India. Dark skinned people are also discriminated in India.

Jaya Kamlani

[Anonymous]

What happens next? How did the fundraiser go?

[RC]

Has anyone written a letter for the DA that I can also use and share with friends? It will certainly help me out. Thx.

[Jaya Kamlani]

I think Moncy Mathews has a very good suggestion. QUOTE: "I think more of us should also study Criminal Justice and work in the field of policy making, criminal investigators in the District Attorney's Office and Assistant District Attorneys in the DA's Office, etc. so that we can directly have an influence in these situations and help make a positive difference in the society." UNQUOTE

Is it possible that the some of the young South Asians who have recently joined the police force in New York may someday desire to study law? If they cannot afford the tuitions, perhaps they can be encouraged to apply for scholarships. e.g. The African-American community is in much better situation now than it was four and five decades ago, because many of them opted to study criminal law and other legal studies after they suffered much racial discrimination.

Jaya Kamlani

[Raj]

I am assumming there were more Indians at the club than whites. Is my assumption correct? If so, why the hell did they let this group of trash beat to a pulp a friend of there's? Where were all the Indian males?
I feel for Ashwani.
Keep pushing guys.

[Jaya Kamlani]

Raj, you hit the nail right on the head. I too have been thinking:
- Where were our Indian stalwarts when they saw their friends being beaten?
- This was supposed to be an Indian gathering, so why didn't all our Indian men come forward?
- Why didn't someone call 911?
- Did any of the Indians take photographs of the scene with their cellphone cameras? Could come in handy to prosecute the bad guys.
- Someone should have stepped out to their car and honked and honked until they got the attention of the entire neighborhood. But that is in hindsight, of course.

My heart goes out to Ashwani and Asheesh's parents. I can only imagine what they are going through. Does anyone know the present condition of these young men?

Jaya Kamlani

[JM]

Ms Kamlani,

As a responsible member of SAJA, it's quite unbecoming of you to take the bait dangled by trolls and to make this incident look like an Us vs Them brawl -

" Raj, you hit the nail right on the head. I too have been thinking:
- Where were our Indian stalwarts when they saw their friends being beaten?
- This was supposed to be an Indian gathering, so why didn't all our Indian men come forward?"

What are you trying to say? ' Our ' Indian men should have fought back ' there ' White men? I'd advise you to visit the discussion on this incident on www.sepiamutiny.com, where this violent incident has thankfully been revealed to not being a hateful incident.