Teen Who Punched Sikh-American Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime

Darien, IL - The Willowbrook teenager charged with beating a Sikh-American man in September in Darien has pleaded guilty to one count of a hate crime, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The juvenile male, 17, reportedly got into an argument Sept. 8 with Inderjit Singh Mukker, a Sikh-American Darien man, while they were driving.

Prosecutors said they both pulled over at Cass and 69th, and the teenager allegedly left his car and punched Mukker in the face.

The Sikh Coalition said in a statement that the teenager yelled “terrorist ... go back to your country.”

Mukker lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for a fractured cheekbone and a cut on his cheek.

The teenager also reportedly punched a police officer in the face when law enforcement went to his home, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The teenager was originally charged Sept. 11 with five counts of felony aggravated battery in connection with the attack, and the state’s attorney’s office later added one hate crime charge, which is a class 4 felony.

A crowd gathered Sept. 15 at the site of the beating to rally support for Mukker, a father of two.

“Hate-based crimes attack the very essence of the American dream,” said Narinder Singh, Sikh Coalition board chair, at the rally. “We need our government to stand with us and send a clear message that this kind of hate will not be tolerated.”

The teenager’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 8 in juvenile court, the Tribune reports.

Catch up on this story:

• Photos: Community Rallies Behind Darien Man Attacked in Alleged Hate Crime
• Hate Crime Charge Added Against Juvenile Accused of Beating Darien Man
• Sikh Coalition to Hold Community Rally in Response to Assault of Darien Man
• Willowbrook Teenager Charged in Beating of Darien Man
• Attacker Screamed ‘Terrorist Go Back to Your Country’ as He Beat Darien Man