Muslim Hotel Employee Beaten After Suspect’s Credit Card Denied

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit have charged a Toronto man following a violent, hate-motivated assault on a hotel employee in the City of Markham.

On September 28, 2025, just after 3 a.m., officers responded to reports of an assault in progress at a hotel near Highway 7 East and Commerce Valley Drive West. An employee reported that an intoxicated guest had become aggressive.

Upon arrival, police located a 54-year-old injured employee and arrested the suspect nearby. The victim sustained serious head injuries and was transported to a trauma centre.

Through investigation, officers learned that the suspect was attempting to pay for his room when his credit card was denied. A verbal altercation ensued and the suspect’s demeanor changed when he learned the victim was Muslim. The suspect became upset, told the victim he was going to kill him and chased him to a room where he was violently assaulted.

Charged:

• Geethansan SRIRANJAN, 31, of City of Toronto

Charges: 

• Assault Cause Bodily Harm
• Utter Threats

The investigation is ongoing.

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