Screen grab (source: X/@MeruOnX)

A viral video from Toronto has triggered outrage after it showed an allegedly intoxicated man launching an unprovoked assault on an Indian individual inside an eatery, reigniting concerns over rising xenophobia in Canada.The widely shared clip captures a heated altercation between a man wearing a Toronto Blue Jays jacket and another man, believed to be of Indian origin, near the ‘Mobile Order Pick Up’ counter of the cafe.

The footage begins with the Canadian man throwing his phone in anger, prompting the Indian man to pick it up. Moments later, the allegedly intoxicated individual charges towards him, shoving and grabbing him by the collar while accusing him of “acting superior.”. The Indian man is heard responding calmly, warning, “You might get yourself in trouble”.Despite maintaining his composure and refraining from retaliation, the victim is repeatedly pushed and assaulted unprovokedly, held by the collar as the aggressor continues to shout, “What did you just say to me?” A staff member eventually intervenes, urging both men to “take it outside” and saying “Please leave”. The situation de-escalates only after the aggressor is escorted out of the premises.The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, with social media users calling for strict action and greater protection for immigrants amid rising cases of racially motivated assaults.This incident comes close on the heels of another violent attack involving an Indian-origin businessman in Edmonton. On October 19, 55-year-old Arvi Singh Sagoo succumbed to injuries after being punched by a man he confronted for urinating on his car. The impact caused Sagoo to fall and lose consciousness; he later died in hospital five days after the assault, according to Global News.The accused, Kyle Papin, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault by the Edmonton Police. Following Sagoo’s death, a fundraiser organised by his friend Vincent Ram aims to support his children and cover funeral expenses.Both incidents have reignited debate over the safety of immigrants and the growing instances of racially charged violence across Canadian cities.