A Pakistani international student in Victoria was assaulted and allegedly targeted in a racist attack outside a 7-Eleven service station in Brunswick West, with the incident captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. Victoria Police have confirmed that an investigation into the assault is ongoing.
The incident occurred on 3 January 2026 at around 11.50pm after Mr Cheema* had just finished work at the service station and had closed the shop. He said the confrontation began after one of the individuals urinated near the store, prompting him to ask the man to show respect and not urinate there.
This brief exchange escalated into violence, with one man allegedly punching Mr Cheema multiple times. He stated that his wife, who was present at the scene, was crying and shouting for the assault to stop, while a bystander attempted to intervene.
He further alleged that a second man who was with the first man also punched him in the face, causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground. Mr Cheema said the attackers made racist remarks during the assault, including telling him to “go back to your f*** country.”
He also said that while his wife was contacting the police, the group moved aggressively towards his wife, causing him to fear she would also be assaulted. He said he did not retaliate at any point due to concern for her safety. CCTV footage from the service station, along with mobile phone videos of the incident, has been provided to the police.
In response to a follow-up by this publication, Victoria Police said in an email:
“Police are investigating an assault in Brunswick on 3 January. It is understood a 27-year-old man was assaulted by two unknown men and a woman outside a service station on Melville Road about 11.50pm.”
“Prior to the assault, it is believed a verbal altercation between the victim and one of the men occurred. During the assault, officers have been told one of the men made offensive comments towards the victim. The trio then fled the scene in a grey Kia Sportage wagon. The victim sustained minor injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
*Real name withheld for security reasons
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