A group from the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) met with Mayor
A group from the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) met with Mayor James Phillips of Old Bridge, NJ, on July 31, to voice concerns following the June 25 attack and subsequent death of Divyendu Sinha, 49.
“Our meeting of July 31, was very fruitful and we are optimistic of positive outcome,” Nimesh Dave, vice president of FIA, told Desi Talk. “Our drive is not only to get justice for Dr. Sinha, but to also encourage every citizen to be vigilant about the smallest bias crime in the future and to inform police. For any reason, if they are not comfortable going to police or school authority, they can contact FIA and we will help them and the names will be kept discreet.”
The meeting with the mayor was part of an attempt to build a public-citizen dialogue relating to the Sinha homicide, the organization said in a press release.
The FIA representatives who met the mayor included Nirav Mehta, president of FIA, Nimesh Dave, Haresh Hemrajani, secretary, as well as Dipak Patel and Mangal Gupta, both past presidents of the organization.
Sinha was brutally attacked by five teenagers while taking a walk near his home with his family June 25. He succumbed to his injuries June 28. “The vicious and unprovoked incident has heightened concerns from Old Bridge, New Jersey residents,” the FIA said.
“In a lengthy and often-heated discussion, the FIA presented Mayor Phillips with a five-point agenda, seeking clarifications about the progress of the investigation, motive of the crime, and how to prevent tensions among communities,” the release said.
Phillips informed FIA members that prosecutors now have enough evidence to try the five assailants as adults, according to the FIA. Representatives emphasized the need to know the motive for the crime. Currently, no motive has been attributed.
The mayor also provided details on increased police patrolling in the area of the crime on Fela Drive, and stepped-up recruiting for the volunteer police force. The FIA said it had also been assured that evidence to support the prosecution will be made public shortly.
The FIA also called for renaming a park in the town after Sinha. “Mayor Phillips fully supported and expressed his agreement with the FIA agenda to name one of the parks in Old Bridge as Dr. Sinha’s Park as a tribute,” FIA said.
The organization has also asked that a science room in the high school be named after the scientist. The FIA announced its plans to hold a block party around the Sinha home where everyone will be invited to participate. “The FIA believes that this will be a great initiative to bring citizens closer to each other and unite,” the press release said.
FIA members plan to meet with the city’s police chief to address security concerns and discuss with the school board how issues of diversity and the positive impact of immigration can be included in the curriculum.
Additionally, the FIA has formed a seven-member committee consisting of citizens of Old Bridge, community leaders and lawyers who will closely follow the case.
Via News India Times, 13 August 2010