Well, the press is supposed to prize accuracy. I don't know whether or not non-Muslim "Indians" (Sikhs, Hindus, whatever) do a lot of street brawling, but if they do I've never read about it. If that is the case then simply referring to "Asians" omits information the reader may find useful.
"If that is the case then simply referring to "Asians" omits information the reader may find useful."
No more than 'black', 'white' etc. I imagine the information came from the police in any case.