Melbourne: A 33-year-old man of Indian origin, Saurabh Anand, was violently attacked with a machete by a group of teenagers in Melbourne’s Altona Meadows area last week. He suffered life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred outside the Central Square Shopping Centre on the evening of July 19, while Anand was on his way home after visiting a pharmacy.
According to the Victoria Police, Anand was on the phone when five teenage boys surrounded him. One searched his pockets, another started punching him repeatedly, and a third pulled out a machete. As Anand tried to defend himself, the attacker slashed his wrist, nearly severing his hand. He also sustained deep wounds to his shoulder and back, broken bones in his arm, spinal fractures, and head injuries.
Passersby quickly came to Anand's aid as he was bleeding heavily and called for emergency help. He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he had multiple surgeries. Doctors were able to save his hand by using screws to reconnect the bones. In a statement to local media, Anand said his hand felt “hanging by a thread” and described the pain as unimaginable.
After the attack, Victoria Police began a thorough investigation. Four teenagers have been arrested in relation to the assault. A 14-year-old boy from Wyndham has been charged with causing serious injury, armed robbery, and assault. He is currently in custody and will appear in court on August 15. Two 15-year-old boys from Hobsons Bay have also been charged and released on bail, with court dates set for August 11. A fourth boy, also 14, is expected to be charged via summons. Police are still trying to locate the fifth suspect.
The attack has raised concerns about increasing youth violence in Victoria. Authorities have noted a rise in machete-related crimes, with more than 200 youth arrests made each day. In response, the Victorian government will implement new laws banning the possession of machetes, starting September 1. Stricter bail laws for repeat youth offenders have also been passed as part of efforts to reduce the increase in violent incidents.
