Indian-Origin Woman Faces Racial Abuse on UK Train
A 26-year-old Indian-origin woman was subjected to racist abuse in UK while travelling on a train from London to Manchester. The disturbing incident, which unfolded on Sunday, involved a reportedly intoxicated male passenger who launched a xenophobic tirade against her and other passengers.
Also I just want to say you could never make me ashamed of being brown. I will never be ashamed of my heritage, and I will never be afraid of Nazis or bigots. Call me whatever, threaten me with whatever. I’m not going anywhere and you can die mad about it.
— gabrielle ☭ (@forsyth_gabby) February 10, 2025
The woman, Gabrielle Forsyth, was engaged in a casual conversation with a fellow commuter, discussing her work with a charity that supports immigrants. However, a man drinking from a can overheard the conversation and responded with aggression and racist remarks, according to a report by Metro.
“We Conquered India”: Drunk Passenger’s Rant
In a video recording of the incident, which has since been deleted but resurfaced on various social media platforms, the man can be seen shouting racial slurs at Forsyth. He boasted about Britain’s colonial past, specifically referencing India.
“You’re in England, you are claiming something. You would not be in England if you weren’t claiming something. English people conquered the world and gave it back to you. We conquered India, we didn’t want it, we gave it back to you,” the man ranted.
His verbal assault did not stop there. He continued, directing his remarks at other non-white passengers on the train, making derogatory comments and appearing to justify colonial oppression.
Towards the end of the video, his aggression escalated into disturbing misogynistic remarks. Addressing Forsyth, he stated, “I am not gonna hit you. I have a girl there that lives to get hit. She ain’t getting hit right now.”
Victim Speaks Out: “It Was Very Jarring”
Speaking about the incident, Forsyth described her shock and distress at the attack.
“He heard the word ‘immigrant’ and his bodily response was that of anger and aggression. It was very jarring. I feel very strongly what he said was wrong. It was an insane situation. I videoed myself for protection. We were all visibly non-white,” she stated.
After sharing the footage on social media, Forsyth said she was subjected to an overwhelming amount of online abuse.
“The amount of abuse I have received from this one video is insane. I have been called slurs I did not even know existed. Now it is much easier to be a troll on X. Violent rhetoric and hate speech can proliferate on this app,” she said.
She emphasized that hate speech and racial discrimination were on the rise in the UK, particularly towards people of colour and immigrants.
British Transport Police Notified
Following the harrowing experience, Forsyth reported the incident to the British Transport Police (BTP). She has been vocal about her pride in her Indian heritage and remains steadfast in speaking out against racism.
“Being Indian, being the daughter of an immigrant, being in touch with my history and heritage is a blessing and a gift. I am grateful every day to have the ability to stand up for myself and people of colour. I back myself and us all to the hilt,” she posted on social media.
Rising Xenophobia in the UK?
This incident comes just days after another racial confrontation on an Avanti West Coast train, where a woman told an NHS dentist to “go back to your own country.” These back-to-back cases of racial abuse highlight growing xenophobic sentiments in the UK, sparking concerns over the safety and dignity of immigrants and ethnic minorities.
Also see:
Indians Dominate H-1B Visas: 72% of Allocations Between Oct 2022 & Sept 2023
H-1B Visa Registration Opens on March 7; Fee Hike
Trudeau Calls Trump’s Canada Annexation Threat a “Real Concern”
Gautam Adani Donates Rs 10,000 Crore to Social Causes at Son’s Wedding
—————————————————————
It would mean the world to us if you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
