Business & Technology
Abingdon taxi driver suffers racially aggravated attack
The Kash Taxi driver picked up a white European couple in their 60s from the Abingdon rank for a trip to Prince Grove at about 7.45pm on Sunday, March 22.
The driver, a British citizen who also works in IT, was born and brought up in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana in India.
He moved to the UK in February 2010 to complete his master’s degree and has been an Abingdon resident since 2014, also working in the Spar shop in High Street.
When a political conversation about the Iran-Israel conflict was initiated during the journey, he explained that he could not discuss the matter.
He said the woman then “made a disturbing comment about ongoing international conflict” while the male passenger “expressed extreme political views, strongly criticising immigrants and insulting political figures”.
When asked about his ethnicity, which seemed to “trigger” the male, the taxi driver “remained silent and professional throughout”.
On arrival, the male slammed the car door and repeatedly swore at the taxi driver, adding racist insults.
Moments after the female passenger pushed the male inside the house, he came out through another door and attempted to charge at the taxi driver, shouting aggressively.
The taxi driver drove away, as he was “fearing for safety and potential physical assault.”
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He described the incident as a deplorable, unprovoked attack, interrogating his nationality and religion, rooted in a hostile, anti-immigrant sentiment.
“The couple has given me the worst experience of my life”, he said, “The perpetrators expressed extremist views, suggesting that international tensions justify local bigotry. Such a stance is not only logically flawed, but entirely unacceptable.”
“My family has been left deeply shaken by this violation of our safety”, he said, “We are taxpayers, neighbours, and law-abiding citizens who contribute diligently to this town. Our right to walk these streets in peace is absolute, and not subject to the approval of the intolerant.”
He warns others to report hate crime to the police.
He added: “If you or your loved ones encounter any form of harassment, please dial 999 immediately to report a hate crime.
“We must ensure we are heard, otherwise, we risk a future where our families feel unable to leave their own homes.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed that it is investigating the public order offence involving the aggravated racial abuse. Police also said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information should contact the police, quoting reference number 43260141168.
The Original Factory Shop which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton yesterday (Saturday, March 28).
On the business’ Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered with clothing down to £2 an item.
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On Thursday, March 26, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.
“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Following that announcement, prices were subsequently lowered and lowered.
Other branches around the UK also shut yesterday including in Cromer, Gorleston and Bungay in Norfolk and Suffolk with major sales also being implemented at other locations.
This comes after the business fell into administration in January, with further closures also expected imminently in Snettisham, according to The Sun, and around the country.
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Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
It only has one store in Oxfordshire, its Carterton shop, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The fashion retailer this month closed down its store in the Oxford city centre shopping centre having opened in October 2017 as part of the £440m revamp.
It was one of the original retailers as part of the shopping centre’s new phase of life, along with John Lewis, Primark and Next.
A spokeswoman from Hugo Boss said: “Hugo Boss optimises its global store portfolio as part of its long-term strategy, which also affects the Boss Oxford Westgate Centre store.
“Hugo Boss will maintain a strong presence in the UK, and we will also continue to serve our customers via our online flagship store at hugoboss.com.”
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The company did not say whether any redundancies had been made from closing the store.
The spokeswoman said: “Wherever possible, we reallocate employees through transfers or other internal opportunities.”
There are indeed other branches not too far, including at Bicester Village, Swindon and Reading.
A spokeswoman for the Westgate said: “We remain committed to making Westgate Oxford a vibrant and varied retail destination for our guests, welcoming exciting new arrivals such as Sephora, The Beefy Boys, and the opening of Lego later this spring, as well as recently upsized stores for Oliver Bonas, Goldsmiths, and Superdrug.
“We look forward to sharing more details about new brands joining the centre soon.”
Henley Business Buzz hosted its first event at Henley Rugby Club, drawing more than 30 businesses and decision-makers from the local area.
The group is part of the wider Business Buzz network, offering informal, no-membership, pay-as-you-go networking that focuses on building professional relationships in a relaxed setting.
Orinta Gaucyte, host of Henley Business Buzz, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together for our first Henley Buzz.
“There’s something really special about building a supportive community where people feel comfortable, included and able to make genuine connections.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the launch such a success.”
The launch was attended by Business Buzz co-founders Katrina Sargent and Simon George, who officially opened the event.
The Henley meetings are supported by sponsors Logic Financial Services and Logic Mortgages.
Lee Humphrey, of Logic Financial Services, said: “It’s brilliant to see an event like Business Buzz arrive in Henley.
“Creating opportunities for local businesses to connect in a relaxed and approachable way is incredibly valuable for the town, and we’re proud to support something that brings the business community closer together.”
Henley Business Buzz will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the next event scheduled for Thursday, April 23.
All businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the area are welcome to attend.
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