Melbourne, July 27
An Indian-origin man, Saurabh Anand, was left severely injured after being brutally attacked with a machete by a group of teenagers in Australia's Melbourne, local media reported.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on July 19 while the 33-year-old was walking home from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.
The horrifying assault left him with multiple injuries, including a nearly severed hand, which was later reattached during surgery.
According to The Australian Today, Anand was speaking to a friend on the phone when five teenagers suddenly surrounded him. One of the assailants rummaged through his pockets, while another repeatedly punched him in the head, knocking him to the ground. A third attacker pulled out a machete and reportedly held it to his throat.
"While I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack went through my hand. The third went through the bone," Saurabh recounted to The Age.
He also suffered stab wounds to his shoulder and back, resulting in a fractured spine and several broken bones. "All I remember is the pain, and my hand was hanging by a thread," he added.
Despite the severe injuries, Saurabh managed to walk out of the area and call for help. He was quickly taken to a hospital, where doctors initially considered amputation.
However, after a complex medical procedure, they were able to reattach his hand.
Australian media reported that four out of the five teenage attackers have been arrested in connection with the assault. Police investigations are ongoing.
This brutal incident comes close on the heels of another disturbing case in Australia involving an Indian student.
Charanpreet Singh was allegedly racially abused and assaulted by a group of unidentified men following a car parking dispute near Kintore Avenue. The incident occurred last week when Singh and his wife were out to view the city's light displays.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My heart goes out to Saurabh and his family. Can't imagine the trauma he's going through. The fact that doctors could reattach his hand is nothing short of a miracle. Hope he gets justice soon.
As an Australian, I'm deeply ashamed of this incident. Most of us welcome Indian immigrants who contribute so much to our society. These teenage thugs don't represent our values. Hope Saurabh recovers fully.
This is the second attack in weeks! Indian government should issue stronger travel advisories. Our people are not safe there. Time to reconsider Australia as a study/work destination.
The medical team deserves applause for saving his hand. But let's not jump to conclusions about racism - teenage violence affects all communities. The important thing is proper rehabilitation for the victim.
The courage Saurabh showed to walk for help despite such severe injuries is inspiring. But why is Australia becoming unsafe for Indians? My brother is studying there and now we're really worried 😟
While we condemn this attack, we must also acknowledge that crime happens everywhere. Instead of generalizing, let's focus on supporting the victim and ensuring proper punishment for the perpetrators.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.