A man in Halifax recounted being subjected to a racist outburst on Saturday when another individual purposely struck his vehicle with bagpipes and hurled racist insults at him. Shalu Shajan, who hails from India, shared with CBC News that the incident occurred after he parked his car on Lower Water Street in downtown Halifax near Prince Street.
Upon parking, Shajan noticed a man carrying bagpipes approach his car and strike the side mirror with the instrument. Confronting the man, Shajan informed him of the damage, but instead of leaving, the individual proceeded to strike the trunk of the car as well. This led to a verbal confrontation escalating into aggression and threats from the man.
The situation took a racist turn as the man started shouting derogatory remarks at Shajan, including telling him to “go back to your country.” Witness Raven Fox, who observed the altercation with his girlfriend, confirmed the heated exchange between the two men. Fox highlighted the racial undertones, mentioning the man’s comment about Shajan’s permanent resident status in Canada.
Shajan expressed feeling targeted based on his race during the encounter. The man’s actions, particularly deliberately striking Shajan’s car, were disheartening for Fox, who emphasized the unexpected hostility in a supposedly welcoming environment.
As the confrontation intensified, Shajan, fearing a physical altercation, prepared to call 911. In response, the man walked away towards the waterfront. Subsequently, Shajan took a photo of the man, reported the incident to Halifax Regional Police, and contacted their hate crime unit.
The police acknowledged the report and are investigating whether the incident qualifies as a hate crime. Shajan cooperated with the authorities, providing details of the racist language directed at him and expressing his belief that the incident was motivated by hate.
Reflecting on the incident, Shajan, who decided to share his experience on Facebook, stressed the importance of standing up against such behavior to prevent others from facing similar discrimination. The Indo-Canadian Association of Nova Scotia expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the broader impact of hate crimes on affected individuals and communities.
Statistics from Statistics Canada reveal a steady increase in reported hate crimes targeting South Asian Canadians in recent years, with incidents rising from 167 in 2021 to 483 in 2025. While Shajan had encountered racist remarks previously, this incident marked the first time he feared for his safety due to racism.
Shajan’s decision to make his experience public aims to aid the police investigation and ensure accountability for the perpetrator. He emphasized the necessity of taking a stand against such behavior to prevent its recurrence and safeguard others from similar mistreatment.