Indian-American Tech Entrepreneur Attacked in San Francisco, Police Investigating

Vishnu Hari, an Indian-American tech entrepreneur and co-founder of the 3D simulation engine company Ego, was violently assaulted in San Francisco's Mission District on January 18. The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) reported that Hari was found bleeding from his head following an altercation with another individual, which escalated into a physical confrontation. He was struck on the head with a metal pipe and rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.

According to the SFPD, the attack followed a dispute between Hari and the suspect. Despite intensive efforts, the suspect remains at large, and no arrests have been made. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

On February 1, Hari shared details of the attack and his ongoing recovery via social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he explained, “I was recently discharged from the ICU after suffering a traumatic brain injury when a man hit me on the back of my head with a metal pipe, completely unprovoked, in the Mission District of San Francisco."

Hari revealed the serious nature of his injuries, which include partial blindness in his right eye and impaired hearing in his left ear. Doctors have advised that his recovery could take several months. He also shared that although his phone and wallet were not stolen, his jewelry was forcibly removed during the attack.

Frustrated with the response from local authorities, Hari expressed confusion about why the case isn't being taken more seriously. "I'm confused as to why the San Francisco institutions refuse to take this seriously," he wrote. Hari also stated that he has no memory of the incident itself and has had to piece together details from conversations with friends who spoke to the police.

Hari further claimed that the suspect is known to law enforcement and suggested that previous incidents involving the same individual have not led to charges. "This man is known to the police since he’s done this before to other people. AFAIK, they will not be pressing charges or prosecuting this individual due to the state of SF politics," Hari said.

As of now, the case remains an active investigation, with no arrests made. In response to the incident, the SFPD released a statement emphasizing their commitment to tackling violent crime in the city. "Violent crime is unacceptable in San Francisco, and the SFPD has devoted resources to ensure the public is safe and perpetrators are held accountable. The SFPD is working to make an arrest in this case, at which point we will work closely with our partners in the District Attorney’s Office."

The investigation continues as authorities work to bring those responsible for the attack to justice