EDISON, N.J. (AP) -- A series of attacks seeming to target Indian immigrants at an apartment complex in Edison has residents on edge.
Police in Edison report eight incidents such as assaults and vandalism involving Indian victims at the Durham Woods complex since June, although some area residents say the real number may be higher since new immigrants are reluctant to contact the police.
Soumendra Naik and Ranjan Pradhan were walking around the complex in early August when they said two juveniles rushed up and punched them.
The men quickly reported the crime but said after relaying their experience to other people in the complex, they quickly realized that other tenants had suffered similar experiences.
Mayor Jun Choi has twice met with tenants from the complex to discuss their concerns.
"We are talking about recent immigrants, who may not be comfortable talking with police," Choi told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Sunday's newspapers. "We need to develop a strong partnership."
Lt. Joseph Shannon said police do not think Indian-Americans are being targeted but tenants told the newspaper that their ethnicity may be the cause.
1010 WINS Boroughs & 'Burbs: New Jersey
E-Mail Story
Print Story
