An Indian-origin woman faced a brutal attack on a crowded railway platform in Calgary, Canada. The disturbing incident, caught on video, went viral. It occurred on March 23, 2025, at the City Hall/Bow Valley College CTrain station. Calgary Police confirmed the details in an X post.
The video shows a man grabbing the woman’s jacket. He shook her repeatedly. Then, he took her water bottle, splashed water on her face, and slammed her into the transit shelter walls. He demanded her phone but fled without it.
Calgary Police arrested Braydon Joseph James French, 31, within 25 minutes. Witnesses helped locate him in East Village. French now faces one count of attempted robbery. Police stated, “The incident isn’t believed to be racially motivated.” However, their Diversity Resource Team is supporting the affected community. The victim, offered help, seeks privacy.
Inspector Jason Bobrowich said, “Thanks to witnesses and our quick response, we made an arrest fast. These incidents worry the community and won’t be tolerated.”
Rising Cruelty Against Indian Students in Canada
This attack isn’t unique. Indian students in Canada increasingly face cruelty, racism, and exploitation. For instance, in January 2025, a Punjabi student in Regina endured a racist assault. Four men shouted slurs, threw coffee at him, and threatened him. He told CBC News he felt numb and furious.
Similarly, in October 2024, Ashwin Annamalai, an Indian-origin Canadian, faced racism in Waterloo, Ontario. A woman told him to “go back to India.” Annamalai recorded the rant, linking it to growing tensions. He said such hate spiked in 2023, per Times of India reports.
Moreover, in January 2025, a viral video showed a man harassing Indian students in Ontario. He filmed them with luggage, yelling, “Go back to India.” The Economic Times noted over a million views, igniting outrage.
Exploitation and Visa Struggles
Exploitation worsens these challenges. According to recent reports, about 427,000 Indian students study in Canada, forming a large part of the international student population. Yet, concerns grow over “no-show” students—those who vanish after arrival. Stricter visa policies now threaten their status.
For example, in 2023, X posts revealed Indian students “surviving on bread” in motels. Many, misled by false promises, awaited university refunds to leave. Economic hardship often drives such plights.
Likewise, in November 2024, a 21-year-old Punjabi female student in Edmonton turned to prostitution. She blamed financial strain in a police confession. Limited jobs and tight visa rules pushed her to the edge.
Transitional Concerns
These incidents weave a troubling pattern. Racism and cruelty persist alongside exploitation. The Calgary attack mirrors the physical aggression in Regina. Similarly, verbal abuse in Waterloo echoes the Ontario harassment video. Meanwhile, economic struggles are linked to petty crimes like shoplifting in Brampton and Toronto.
Additionally, visa woes amplify the crisis. Stricter policies target the 427,000 Indian students, raising deportation fears. “No-show” cases fuel scrutiny, yet many students still succeed. Nevertheless, these events demand action. Better support, fairer visa rules, and stronger oversight could stem this tide of cruelty and exploitation.