‘F*** off, Indian’: Racist attack in Australia leaves Indian national hospitalised in Adelaide

An Indian international student has been hospitalised with serious injuries after a brutal assault in Adelaide, Australia — an incident now under investigation as a possible racially motivated attack. The case has sparked outrage within the Indian community and reignited concerns over the safety of international students in Australia.

Brutal attack in the city centre

The victim, 23-year-old Charanpreet Singh, was attacked on the night of July 19 near Kintore Avenue, a central area in Adelaide, while he and his wife had stopped to view the Illuminate light installations.

According to reports, a group of five men pulled up beside Singh’s car, demanded he move his vehicle, and began hurling racial abuse, allegedly shouting, “F** off, Indian”* before launching a violent assault.

Singh was punched through the car window, dragged out, and beaten with both fists and weapons, including metal knuckles. “I tried to fight back, but they beat me until I was unconscious,” Singh later told 9News from his hospital bed.

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He was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where doctors found brain trauma, facial fractures, a broken nose, and severe eye injuries, requiring surgery and an overnight stay.

Police launch investigation

South Australia Police responded shortly after 9:20 pm and found Singh badly injured. A 20-year-old man from Enfield was arrested the next day and charged with assault causing harm, but was later released on bail. Authorities are still searching for the four remaining attackers.

Police have recovered CCTV footage from the area, which is well-monitored due to its proximity to the University of Adelaide and cultural landmarks. A video of the assault has also gone viral on social media, further fuelling public anger.

From his hospital bed, Singh said the attack left him shaken not just physically, but emotionally. “Things like this make you feel like going back… You can change your body, but you can’t change the colour of your skin,” he said.

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Strong condemnation

The incident has drawn condemnation from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who called it “deeply disturbing.”

“Any evidence of a racial attack is completely unwelcome in our state. It’s not who we are, and not where the majority of our community stands,” the Premier said.

The Indian community, both in Australia and back home, has called for stricter action and better protections for international students facing racial discrimination and violence abroad.