Toronto Man Charged in Hate-Motivated Attack at Markham Hotel

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.

York Regional Police strongly condemn all acts of hate. Hate has no place in our community. We are committed to protecting all residents and take these matters seriously. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly. If you witness or have been the victim of a hate crime or hate/bias incident, we encourage you to report it to police immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.