A 23-year-old Indian student, Charanpreet Singh, is recovering in hospital after a violent and suspected racist attack in central Adelaide. The incident took place on Saturday night, July 19, near Kintore Avenue, where Singh and his wife had parked their car to see the Illuminate light installations.
According to reports, a car pulled up beside them around 9:22 PM. Five men got out—some allegedly carrying metal knuckles and sharp objects—and demanded Singh move his vehicle. Without warning, they began hurling racial slurs, including “F*** off, Indian,” before launching into a brutal assault.
Singh was punched through the car window, dragged out, and beaten until he lost consciousness. Witnesses say he was attacked with both weapons and fists.
He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries, including brain trauma, multiple facial fractures, a broken nose, and damage to his eyes. He required surgery and remained under close observation overnight.
South Australia Police responded to the scene and arrested a 20-year-old man from Enfield on Sunday. He has been charged with assault causing harm and released on bail. Police are still looking for the other four attackers.
CCTV footage from the busy area—near the University of Adelaide and several cultural landmarks—is being reviewed to help identify the remaining suspects.
The assault has deeply shaken the Indian student community in Australia, with many calling for stronger protection and quicker justice in cases of racially motivated violence.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
