Targeted Vandalism Leaves Nepali-Origin US Army Veteran in NYC Fearful of Hate Crime

Ranjit Gauli, a US Army veteran and resident of Jamaica, Queens, has become the victim of a disturbing series of car vandalism incidents that he suspects may be rooted in a hate crime. Gauli’s Toyota Rav4 Hybrid was vandalized twice within a few days, with the latest incident occurring on July 21st, just 8 days after the first attack. The veteran believes that the custom number plate with ‘Nepal 7’ on it might have been the reason behind the targeted vandalism.

The first incident took place on the night of July 13th while Gauli was out of New York. In this initial act of vandalism, the windows of his vehicle were shattered, the car was scratched, and the tires were deflated. Gauli decided to handle the repair himself without involving the police. However, when his car was targeted again on July 21st, this time parked in front of 167-42  109 Road, he promptly reported the damage to the authorities.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson verified that the incident had been reported by a 34-year-old victim, referring to Ranjit Gauli.

“On July 21st, 2023, it was reported to the police that a 34-year-old male victim observed damage to his vehicle after it was parked in front of 167-42 109 Road in the confines of the 103rd Precinct. The victim stated that the tires were slashed, mirrors were broken, and there were scratches on the doors. There have been no arrests at this time,” said an NYPD spokesperson.

Gauli expressed his concerns about being targeted due to his customized number plate, stating that he had suspicions because of it. He visited the police office to report the incidents, but unfortunately, he did not receive any immediate help or information on the possible perpetrators.

The police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the vandalism, nor have they confirmed whether the incidents are being treated as hate crimes.

In the wake of the repeated attacks, Gauli is experiencing a deep sense of insecurity and fear. He revealed that during his past tenure as a corrections officer in New York City, he may have been targeted, which adds to his apprehensions. The recurring incidents of car vandalism, following a similar pattern, have left him feeling scared and uncertain.

Hate crimes, which include physical attacks, threats, or property damage based on factors like race, religion, or identity, are taken very seriously by law enforcement. Authorities encourage victims of such incidents to immediately contact 911 or report the incident to an on-duty police officer. If the situation is not an emergency, victims should reach out to the nearest police station to ensure their safety and provide necessary information for investigations.