Reward Offered For Information In Beating Of Central California Sikh Man

FRESNO, Calif. (CBS/AP) - Fresno police have announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to two men who assaulted a Sikh man in west-central Fresno.

A hate crime investigation is under way Tuesday after 68-year-old Amrik Singh Bal was assaulted and left with cuts to his nose and hand and a broken collarbone.

On Saturday morning, Bal was warmly dressed, wearing a turban and waiting for a ride to work when authorities say two men in a car approached Bal and began swearing at him.

Police say Bal tried to cross the street, but the men backed up the car and hit him.

During the beating, one of the men asked Bal "Why are you here?" Fresno police told the L.A. Times.

Then they got out and beat the man before taking off.

Bal was taken to Community Regional Medical Center. He is now at home recovering.

The case remains under investigation.

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