Australia, September 27: In yet another racial attack in Australia, a 21-year-old man was reportedly assaulted by four teenagers after confirming his nationality.
According to the police, the man was on his way to the Sandown Park rail station when four teenage males on bike approached him and asked him if he was Indian.
After the boy confirmed his nationality, the teenagers, who were carrying baseball bats, hit him from behind.
Two passers-by took the man home, she said. He was bruised and had a large cut on his nose. He told police his attackers looked about 15-16 years old.
Federation of Indian Association of Victoria (FIAV) president Vasan Srinivasan said he was surprised about the attack which took place in eastern suburb which is considered to be multicultural.
“My only request to youngsters is, let’s learn to respect each other, live with harmony and peace. What else we can say?”, Srinivasan was quoted as saying by the paper.
A Australia daily quoted a police official as saying that another Indian was attacked last Tuesday night, but refused to comment if it was racially motivated.
The 39-year-old was walking home about 6pm along Moncur Ave in Springvale.
Police said he was punched to the ground from behind and kicked while on the ground.
Police said there were witnesses, but no clear description of the attacker.
Since 2006, the Indian population of Greater Dandenong has risen by 1200, with 3 per cent of Greater Dandenong residents from India.
—Agencies