Peel Regional Police says it is investigating disturbing racist graffiti targeting South Asian community members in Mississauga.
The graffiti was found on the side of a telecommunications box in the Square One area last week with the words “Indian Rats” sprayed on.
A social media user says it was located next to a children’s park.
“As an immigrant of Indian descent who routinely strolls past this walkway with my family, I feel hurt by racism like this,” the person said on Reddit.
Peel police confirm to Now Toronto that it has launched an investigation.
“The investigation remains active and is now being led by our Hate Crime Unit. Peel Regional Police does not tolerate racially motivated crimes,” Peel police said on Wednesday. “We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
The graffiti has sent a wave of shock through the community, with many members taking to social media to speak out, including the The Coalition of Hindus of North America Canada (CoHNA).
The coalition, which is a grassroots organization, says acts like this are not isolated, and is part of a growing pattern of racism faced by Indo-Canadians and Hindus.
“The hate is growing more visible but the actions from law enforcement and lawmakers have not kept pace… We reiterate the importance of stronger anti-hate mechanisms at municipal, provincial, and federal levels to track and address racism against Hindu and Indo Canadians,” CoHNA said in a post on X.
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Ward 7 Mississauga Councillor Dipika Damerla also condemned the actions.
“Disappointing that this is happening in Mississauga, I condemn this…,” Damerla said in a post on X.
Damerla said she asked city staff to remove the graffiti. The city confirmed to Now Toronto in a statement that it has since been removed.
“City staff immediately covered it and contacted Bell to remove it as the graffiti was on a Bell telecommunication pedestal. Racism has no place in Mississauga. The City condemns any acts of racism,” the statement said.
In April, the city launched the One Mississauga campaign to encourage people to recognize and challenge racism, discrimination, and hate in all forms.
“Moving forward, the City will work to engage community groups and organizations to create community-specific campaigns to address specific lived experiences,” the city said.
