Suspect Arrested In Assault That Has Left Elderly Sikh In ICU

Photo: Sikh Coalition

India-West Staff Reporter

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Police have arrested a suspect in the brutal beating of a 70-year-old Sikh man in North Hollywood, an attack that has left the victim hospitalized in critical condition after multiple surgeries.

Los Angeles police identified the suspect as Bo Richard Vitagliano, 44, who was taken into custody late August 12, near Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street. He is being held at the Van Nuys jail on $1.115 million bail, charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities say Vitagliano, a known unhoused man in the area with an extensive criminal history involving drugs, assault, and weapons charges, is accused of striking Harpal Singh repeatedly with a golf club on August 4. Singh, who lived at the nearby Sikh Gurdwara of LA, was on his afternoon walk near Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street when the attack occurred.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at a press conference, the incident was not being investigated as a hate crime, describing it instead as stemming from “a dispute over property belonging to the victim.”

However, the Sikh Coalition and other community advocates have questioned whether bias can be ruled out so quickly, noting that Singh remains unconscious and has not been able to participate in a full police interview with professional translation. “In the Sikh Coalition’s view, it is impossible to completely rule out a bias motive at this stage,” the group said in a statement.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) also called for a full and transparent investigation to ensure community safety and dignity.

Singh’s brother, Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, told reporters that Singh has undergone three surgeries to repair broken facial bones and treat bleeding in the brain. “He is totally unconscious; they keep him under sedation,” Randhawa said. While grateful for the arrest, he expressed concern about the decision not to classify the incident as a hate crime.

“I am grateful to hear that the police have arrested a suspect for the horrific assault of my brother, but we need to better understand this attack and why it is not being considered a hate crime,” he said in a statement. “Justice must be served, and our local Sikh community must know that the area around our gurdwara—where we gather to worship, learn, connect, eat, and serve others—is safe for all.”

Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who joined Monday’s press conference with Sikh community members, urged unity and vigilance. “Any such incident evokes the worst feeling in all of us,” he said. “We must ensure no community member feels left behind.”

Police say they will increase patrols in the North Hollywood neighborhood following the attack and continue community outreach around the gurdwara.