RCMP consulting hate crimes unit after attack on Sikh international student in Kelowna, B.C.

RCMP in Kelowna, B.C., say its members are consulting with its hate crimes team to ensure that if there are any elements of hate that they are property identified in the attack on an international student in the city.

A statement from the Kelowna detachment says its general investigations team is leading the file and is seeking video from the area around a bus stop where the assault happened on March 17, between 10:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. PT.

RCMP said in an earlier statement said the B.C. Hate Crimes Team had joined the investigation but later clarified that it has been "consulted as a part of our ongoing investigation in order to cover off all possibilities."

The release says the hate crimes team is involved "to ensure that any hate elements, if any, are properly identified and investigated."

Police say a suspect group has been identified, but no arrests have been made.

The reason for the attack and the details linked to it are still being determined and the 21-year-old student is being supported by the Mounties' victim services unit.

RCMP have released few details of the assault but said earlier that the victim was followed off the bus late Friday night and was hit from behind.

Const. Mike Della-Paolera said in the statement that the student was assaulted and was later treated for various injuries in hospital before being released.

Turban taken 'as a prize,' victim's friend says

The victim, Gagandeep Singh, is a young Sikh man from India who has been studying in Kelowna for the past year, according to people from the Sikh community who have rallied around him.

According to police, a group of young people, made up of both men and women, were on the same bus as Singh late Friday evening.

"They were teasing the victim, and when the victim exited the bus, he was hit from behind and assaulted," Della-Paolera said.

Officers found Singh lying on the ground and being supported by friends who had already arrived. He was taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries, according to the RCMP.

CBC News has not spoken to Singh, but members of the Sikh community who are supporting him are calling the incident a violent assault on the young man and his religion. 

The story Singh is recounting is that he was swarmed by a group of about 15-20 young people, mostly men, who kicked and punched him when he was on the ground, according to Hundal.

"They knocked his turban off, grabbed him by the hair and started dragging him around that area there by the bus stop," he said.

"After he was attacked, they took his turban ... we see this as a hate crime — they took that as a prize, and that is disrespectful too. This is an article of our faith."

Victim out of hospital

A GoFundMe page set up for Singh raised $22,096 in a matter of days — more than meeting its goals, with the organizer closing it down as a result.

In a message sent by the page on behalf of Singh, he said he was out of hospital and recovering at home.

"The last few days have been very difficult for me," the statement read.

"I really appreciate the support across Canada from everyone. The comments ... and the outpouring of support has reminded me of why I came to Canada."

'This is not tolerable': Councillor

The attack comes one year after a young Sikh woman from India was killed in Kelowna while working as a security guard at UBC's Okanagan campus. 

Kelowna Coun. Mohini Singh said the attack has sent a shockwave through the Sikh community.

"This is not tolerable in Kelowna. This is not what we want to see here. This has to stop," Singh said.

On Tuesday, mayor and council released a statement on the attack, saying they were "shocked and appalled" by what had happened.

"Our sympathies are with the young man as he recovers from his injuries, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery," the statement said.

"Council has identified tackling crime as one of our highest priorities, and violent crimes like this one will not be tolerated in our community."