The condition of a 20-year-old Indian student, who was brutally attacked and robbed in Australia, remains critical but was responding well to treatment, his brother said today
Manrajwinder Singh from Reservoir remained in an induced coma in a hospital here after being bashed up by thugs early on Sunday.
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The victim's brother Yadwinder Singh said his sibling was still in induced coma after suffering serious head injuries in the attack but was responding well to medicines.
Singh, was in Australia to study accounts, was standing with two other friends near the footpath east of Princess Bridge when they were approached by eight men, according to a police statement.
The offenders, perceived to be of African appearance, assaulted Singh by kicking him on the head and hitting him with a stick. The men later fled with the mobile phones of the trio, according to a police statement.
Singh, a student in Cambridge college here, remains in the ICU at the Alfred hospital after being operated once. "He is not out of danger but he is responding well to the medicines," Yadwinder said.
Yadwinder praised the hospital staff and the promptness of Victoria police in nabbing the culprits. "The hospital is giving the best medical treatment to my brother and I m satisfied with the way Victorian police has responded to this incident. "However, right now our main concern is the recovery of our brother," he said.
Victoria Police has arrested three persons in connection with the incident. A search is on for five others.
A 17-year-old Sydenham boy was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and theft and has been remanded in custody to appear at a children's court today.
Earlier, a 16 year-old St Albans boy was charged with serious assault and remanded in custody. The third arrest in the case, a 15-year-old Ascot Vale boy has been released and is expected to be charged on summons.
Officials at the Indian consulate in Melbourne are also in regular touch with Singh's family and helping them to speed up the visa process of his parents who are currently in India. "We are in regular touch with the Singh's family and have extended all the support we can offer," said Nirmal Chowdhry at the Indian Consulate here, who visited the victim at the hospital.
Yesterday, a group of Indian community members, including Councillor and former Darebin mayor Tim Singh and Australian Labour Party member Manoj Kumar, visited the victim's family to show their support and express sympathy.
Kumar said: "Safety is a biggest concern in nearby CBD area especially for students who work late night for their expenses and this is one of the example of safety failure."