‘Poor guy is terrified’: Indian man chased by protestors amid Belfast riots
A Terrified Indian Man Pursued by Anti-Immigration Demonstrators Amid Belfast Riots
Poor guy is terrified - During recent unrest in Belfast, a viral social media post depicted a young Indian man fleeing from a group of anti-immigration protesters before being rescued by a local resident. The incident unfolded following a street stabbing that ignited widespread demonstrations.
Social Media Reactions
A Threads user shared a screenshot from a WhatsApp chat, captioning it: “Tonight, from my son in east Belfast.”
“Something has happened. A group of thugs chased my neighbor from the bus stop, and when I stepped outside, they retreated… men in their 40s. That young Indian guy is really scared, working in a care home.”
Another comment stated, “Those South Asian youths are deeply shaken. The police were there but left quickly. The boys have my number if they return, but watching that lad run home was sickening.”
Incident Details
The knife attack, which sparked the protests, was carried out by Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national. He appeared in court and faced charges of attempted murder.
The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, a man in his 40s, remains hospitalized with injuries to his back, neck, and face. Reports indicate he lost his left eye during the assault.
Public Outcry
One user expressed shock at the escalating tensions, writing: “It’s shocking how bad things have gotten! Anyone who isn’t white seems to be targeted by these brutal thugs. This is terrible—hope it calms down soon, but until then, let’s pray for those in danger.”
“Why isn’t anyone standing up against this fascism? It’s 2026, yet this feels like 1939.”
Another added: “The irony is striking—their grandparents fought fascism in WWII.”
Northern Ireland’s Response
First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the knife attack as “harrowing,” but criticized the subsequent violence, calling it “disgusting cowardice.”
“Groups of masked men forcing families from their homes is nothing short of thuggery. This isn’t about community—it’s pure intimidation.”
About the Reporter
Trisha Sengupta, the Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, has over six years of experience in digital journalism. She excels at translating internet trends into compelling narratives that blend modern storytelling with traditional reporting.
Her focus lies in exploring the convergence of tech, finance, and human emotion, covering topics like real estate challenges in Bengaluru, Gurgaon, and Hyderabad, as well as the experiences of NRIs. She frequently profiles global figures such as Elon Musk and MrBeast, while analyzing shifts in industries like AI and startup culture.
Outside of work, Trisha enjoys reading, traveling, and balancing her dynamic career with personal time. She’s currently transitioning from human sources to AI tools to ensure her storytelling remains relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.