Sikh nurse suffers broken nose in alleged racial assault in Melbourne’s Geelong

A 22-year-old Sikh nurse has allegedly been left with a broken nose after being assaulted in what police are investigating as a racially motivated attack at a gym in Geelong, near Melbourne, in Australia, as per reports.

The incident took place on Tuesday night at a gym in the suburb of Corio. The victim, identified as Harmanpreet Singh, said he was training at around 11 pm when he was approached by three men who began verbally abusing him.

Speaking to local media, Singh reportedly said the confrontation escalated after he left the gym, when he found the trio waiting outside.

He alleged that the men called him an ‘Indian dog’ and told him to ‘go back to where you came from’. According to Singh, one of the men then headbutted him, striking his nose and causing heavy bleeding.

The three men fled the scene shortly afterwards.

Locals assisted Singh and took him to the hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery for his injuries. He said he remains traumatised by the incident.

Singh said this was not the first time he had experienced racial abuse in Australia, but described the latest assault as having a significant psychological impact. His sister, Khushi Kaur, said the family was deeply shaken by the incident.

Singh reportedly stated that despite being strong, the incident has left a significant impact. He now feels unsafe and is uncertain about returning to the gym.

Earlier this month, several businesses owned by Indian-Australians were reportedly targeted in thefts. There have also been incidents involving places of worship, including the vandalisation of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne, prompting concern among community members.