Brutal Racist Attack on Indian Student Sparks Outrage in Adelaide

In central Adelaide, Charanpreet Singh, a 23-year-old Indian student, was viciously attacked in a racially motivated assault that left him critically injured and unconscious. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night near Kintore Avenue, has stirred public indignation and raised concerns about the safety of international students and immigrants in Australia.

Singh and his wife parked their vehicle to enjoy the city's "Illuminate" light installations. A group of five men approached their car around 9:22 PM. According to witness accounts and Singh’s own testimony, the men began shouting racial slurs, including “F*** off, Indian,” before launching a violent, unprovoked attack.

“They just said ‘f*** off, Indian’, and after that they just started punching,” Singh told 9News from his hospital bed. “I tried to fight back, but they beat me until I was unconscious.” He sustained multiple facial fractures and brain trauma. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital where he received overnight medical care.

South Australia Police confirmed that a 20-year-old man from Enfield has been arrested and charged with assault causing harm. The remaining attackers fled the scene and remain unidentified. In an effort to find the criminals, authorities have called for the public's help and are examining CCTV footage.

A video of the attack has gone viral on social media. This has increased the reaction from Australia’s Indian community. Many people have shared their fear and frustration over ongoing racially motivated violence against international students. Online, there has been an outpouring of support for Singh, with many calling for stricter measures against hate crimes.

“This kind of brutality makes you feel like you don’t belong,” Singh said. “You can change anything in your body, but you can’t change the colours.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas strongly condemned the assault. “Any indication of a racial attack is totally unacceptable in our state and just does not align with the sentiments of the vast majority of our society.,” he said.

Advocacy organizations and community leaders are calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action, emphasizing that overseas students are important contributors to Australia's cultural and economic environment and should be treated with dignity and protection.

As police continue their investigation, Singh’s story has become a rallying cry for greater awareness and accountability around racially motivated violence in Australia.