Months after anti-immigration protests swept across Australia, concerns over rising hostility toward the Indian diaspora have intensified following a violent racial assault on a 22-year-old Sikh nurse in Melbourne’s Geelong region. The attack, which occurred late Tuesday night at a gym in Corio, left the young man with a broken nose and deep emotional trauma, highlighting growing fears within migrant communities.
According to Harmanpreet Singh, the incident began while he was working out at the gym around 11 pm, when he was confronted by three men who allegedly subjected him to verbal abuse. What initially appeared to be a brief confrontation soon escalated into a more serious and targeted attack. Singh later said he had no indication that the situation would turn violent when he left the premises.
As he exited the gym, Singh discovered the same men waiting outside. He alleged that they hurled racist slurs at him, calling him an “Indian dog” and telling him to “go back to where you came from.” Moments later, one of the attackers allegedly slammed his head into Singh’s face, striking his nose with force and causing heavy bleeding. The assailants reportedly fled immediately after the assault.
Bystanders and locals assisted Singh and ensured he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors have indicated that he may require surgery due to the severity of the injury. Speaking to local media, Singh described the emotional toll of the incident, saying the abuse and violence had left him shaken and fearful for his safety, even in routine public spaces.
Family members said the attack has deeply affected them, with his sister Khushi Kaur describing the ordeal as distressing for the entire household. Singh himself acknowledged that while he had previously experienced racial remarks in Australia, this incident had a far more serious psychological impact. He expressed uncertainty about returning to the gym, stating that he no longer feels safe.
The assault comes amid broader concerns over an apparent rise in racially motivated incidents targeting Indian-origin residents following last year’s anti-immigration “March for Australia” rallies. In recent months, Indian-owned businesses have reportedly been targeted in thefts, while incidents involving vandalism at Sikh and Hindu religious sites — including damage to Melbourne’s Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple — have heightened anxiety within the community.
Community members and observers say the attack reflects a worrying pattern of hostility that has emerged alongside heated debates over immigration, raising renewed calls for stronger safeguards and action against racially motivated violence.
