BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Transit police say five people have been arrested for attacking a mentally disabled man at a Boston subway station after he made what officers described as an “innocuous statement” to them.

The three men and two women allegedly beat the 40-year-old victim at the Downtown Crossing stop Monday, sending him to the hospital with multiple scrapes and severe bruising and swelling along his face and torso. Police say the victim’s shirt was ripped and one shoe was missing.

Police say the victim, who has a limited ability to communicate, was attacked after he overheard a conversation the suspects were having and told them they ought not to use the word “hate.”

Bryon Lashus, 32 of Watertown and Karen Akiba, 22 of Cambridge were arraigned Tuesday on assault and other charges and Maryanne Hamilton, 22, of Jamaica Plain is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. Arrested late Wednesday night were 28-year-old Germial Johnson and 23-year-old Ivan Bacai.

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