CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses racism.
A 23-year-old Indian student is recovering in hospital after he was violently attacked by a group of men in central Adelaide in what he says was a racially motivated assault. The incident, which happened on Saturday night near Kintore Avenue, has left the city’s Indian community reeling and has sparked messages of support and a call for further action against racism in South Australia.
According to South Australia Police, officers were called to the scene in Kintore Avenue, just after 9.20pm on Saturday 19 July, in response to reports that a man had been assaulted by a group while sitting in his car. Police say the incident is believed to have started as a car parking dispute.
A police spokesperson told PEDESTRIAN.TV, “The group dragged the man from his car and assaulted him before driving off in a Toyota sedan. The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
However, the victim, Charanpreet Singh, alleges the situation became far more sinister telling 9 News, “They just said ‘fuck off Indian’, and after that they just started punching.”
He says he sustained brain trauma and facial fractures in the attack, adding, “Things like this, when they happen, it makes you feel like you should go back. You can change anything in your body, but you can’t change the colours.”
The Indian Sun reports that Singh was with his wife at the time when the group approached their vehicle and allegedly began making racist remarks, before the violence unfolded.
According the publication, several eye witness accounts and social media posts claim the group used metal knuckles or sharp objects during the attack. The publication was also sent footage of the incident.
On Sunday 20 July, police arrested a 20-year-old man at an address in Enfield, charging him with assault causing harm. He’s been bailed to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on September 10.
SA Police confirmed, “Enquiries continue to locate the other suspects involved.”
The group, believed to be five men, allegedly left the scene in a Toyota sedan.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has condemned the alleged assault, telling media: “Any time we see any evidence of any racial attack, it is completely unwelcome in our state and just not consistent with where the majority of our community are at.”
SA Police continue to encourage anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Lead image: 9 News
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
You can also report instances of racism or discrimination to the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or lodge a complaint online.
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