By Jai Bharadwaj, Amit Sarwal and Pallavi Jain
Seriously injured Indian International Student Swapnil Singh* (name changed on request) is in Westmead Hospital after being attacked by Khalistan supporters in Sydney’s western suburb of Merrylands.
Mr Singh was on his way to work as his shift starts at 6 am.
He told The Australia Today, “Today, morning at 5.30 am when I was going to work some 4-5 Khalistan supporters attacked me.”
“I work as a driver and my vehicle was parked just 50 meters from where I live.”
“As soon as I sat in my driving seat these Khalistan supporters came out of nowhere.”
“One of them opened the left side door of my vehicle and hit me with an iron road on my cheekbone under my left eye.”
“After which they opened the driver-side door and dragged me out of the vehicle and started beating me with iron rods.”
“Two of them were doing video recording on their phones while 4-5 were hitting me from all sides.”
“They were repeatedly raising the slogan “Khalistan Zindabad” the whole time,”
recalled Mr Singh.
“Everything happened within 5 minutes and they left saying this should be enough lesson for me for opposing the Khalistan issue, if not they are ready to give me more lessons like this.”
Someone from the neighborhood or passersby on the street called NSW Police after seeing the incident.
NSW Police officers called paramedics at the scene and Mr Singh was taken to Westmead Hospital with serious injuries to his head, leg, and arm.
NSW Police spokesperson has provided a statement to The Australia Today.
The statement says, “Shortly after 5.40 am on Friday 14 July 2023, officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended Rupert Street, Merrylands West, following reports of an assault.“
“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.“
“The man was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.
“Inquiries are continuing, anyone with information is urged to contact the police,” the statement added.
The Australia Today is given to understand Mr Singh is going through corrective surgery on his arm, which is split open at the elbow area.
Andrew Charlton Member of Parliament for Parramatta and Merrylands suburb comes under his electorate.
Mr Charlton told The Australia Today, “There is no place in our local community for extremism or violence of any kind.”
“People should be safe and secure in our community. I have contacted the relevant authorities regarding this incident and will monitor the situation as it unfolds,”
Mr Charlton said.
“My thoughts are with the victim and their family at this distressing time,” added Mr Charlton.
This is not the first time when Khalistan supporters have terrorised Sydney-based Indian international students for opposing their divisive ideology.
Yogesh Khattar is the President of Indo Australia Sanatan Society.
Mr Khattar visited Swapnil in the Westmead Hospital and told The Australia Today, Our community is being targeted and threatened by Khalistani extremists.
“Also, it looks like a deliberate strategy to create fear among us. We all know that a campaign based on creating fear may bring some short-term benefits to few, but will not work in the long run.”
“I have been involved in regular discussions with the Engagement and hate crime unit and doing my best to reduce this tension within the community but it seems that these people believe in violence and creating an atmosphere of fear.
“My humble request to the Police is to catch these extremists and put them behind bars and don’t let them spread this hatred in our beautiful country.”
The Australia Today has contacted the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Sydney and other community stakeholders. We will update the story as soon as we receive a statement.
NOTE: In case you have any information regarding this incident or any similar incident please reach out to admin@theaustraliatoday.com.au
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