Indian student in Australia attacked with iron rods by Khalistan supporters
A 23-year-old Indian student in Australia was reportedly beaten up with iron rods by Khalistan supporters in Australia after he voiced opposition to Khalistani extremist activities.
The attack took place in Sydney’s western suburb of Merrylands, where the assailants, chanting “Khalistan Zindabad,” targeted the student while he was on his way to work, The Australia Today reported on Friday.
The student, who works as a driver and has requested anonymity, recounted the incident, saying, “Today at 5.30 am, when I was going to work, some 4-5 Khalistan supporters attacked me.”
He further explained that the assailants suddenly appeared out of nowhere as he was getting into his vehicle. They opened the left side door and hit him with an iron rod on his cheekbone, just below his left eye.
He was then forcibly dragged out of the vehicle and beaten up with iron rods. Two of the attackers also recorded the assault on a video.
While assaulting him, the assailants continuously chanted “Khalistan Zindabad,” the student described.
“Everything happened within 5 minutes, and they left saying this should be a lesson for me for opposing the Khalistan issue. If not, they are ready to give me more lessons like this,” the victim said.
The incident was reported to the New South Wales (NSW) Police, who transported the injured Indian student to Westmead Hospital. The report stated that he suffered significant injuries to his head, leg, and arm.
Speaking about the incident, a police spokesperson said, “Police have been told a 23-year-old man was walking along Rupert Street before he was assaulted by four men armed with a metal pole. The 23-year-old was allegedly kicked, punched, and hit with the metal pole repeatedly before the four men left the scene in a grey sedan.”
Reacting to the incident, the Member of Parliament for Merrylands said, “There is no place in our local community for extremism or violence of any kind. I have contacted the relevant authorities regarding this incident and will monitor the situation as it unfolds.”
This incident follows earlier clashes between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators in Melbourne during the so-called “Punjab independence referendum” in January. Concerned about the rising anti-India activities of Khalistani separatists and frequent attacks on Hindu temples, the Indian government urged the Australian authorities to take action.
In response to these developments, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi, underscored the need to refrain from granting space to individuals advocating violence or legitimizing terrorism under the guise of freedom of expression. This statement came amidst an increase in anti-India activities by Khalistani groups in several countries.