Indian Sikh nurse Harmanpreet Singh was allegedly assaulted and racially abused in Melbourne and raising safety concerns.
Harmanpreet Singh, a Melbourne-based nurse was allegedly attacked during a late-night gym session in Victoria (Photo: X)
A late-night gym session in Victoria has caused outrage after reports emerged of a young Indian origin nurse being assaulted and racially abused. The issue has once again brought to the fore the security of migrant groups in the country, as the number of people of Indian origin living in Australia as of June 2023 stood at more than 845,800.
Harmanpreet Singh is a 22 year old Sikh nurse from Melbourne, is a hard worker and a kind person and the young man had been advancing his career in healthcare while working hard to finish his long working hours and stay physically fit. The assault case has left him disturbed and in need of medical attention.
The incident reportedly occurred around 11 p.m. at a gym in Corio, a suburb near Geelong. Singh states that he was confronted by three men during his training and he states that the tension was building as the men waited outside the gym and shouted profanity. The men reportedly headbutted him at one point, resulting in a trip to the hospital for treatment and the men then left the scene in a grey sedan.
According to Singh, the assault on him included a racist slur that used the term “Indian dog” and the command to “go back” to where he came from. He was also bleeding from his nose and had to be hospitalized, with the possibility of requiring specialist care and he has since talked about how he still harbors some fear about returning to his normal routine of life.
According to community leaders, this incident is just one more link in a worrying chain. There have been reports of vandalism, hate speech on the Internet and harassment of Indians in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney while it is true that Australia is a multicultural country, there are still some worrying incidents that seem to be stirring anxiety in migrant communities.
The term used against Singh reflects racial hatred that is related to ethnicity where experts have pointed out that such terms are used to demean and dehumanize people on the basis of their national and cultural affiliations. Such incidents emphasize the need for more stringent community discussions and more stringent law enforcement actions.
1. Are police investigating the attack?
Yes, authorities in Victoria are reportedly investigating the alleged assault.
2. How badly was Harmanpreet Singh injured?
He suffered a nose injury and required hospital treatment, with possible specialist care ahead.
3. Is this an isolated case?
Community members say there have been other recent reports of racial harassment.
4. How large is the Indian community in Australia?
Over 845,800 people of Indian origin lived in Australia as of mid-2023.
5. What steps can victims take?
Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police and seek community or legal support.
