Racist Attack! 3 Men Beat Indian Sikh In Australia

A 22-year-old Sikh nurse, Harmanpreet Singh, is recovering from a broken nose and deep trauma after an alleged racist assault outside a gym in Melbourne's Geelong, amid growing concern over attacks on the Indian community in Australia.

The incident happened on Tuesday night at a gym in Corio, where Harmanpreet had gone for a late workout. The attack comes months after anti-immigration protests across Australia and has renewed fears among young migrants.

Racist attacks on Indian community in Australia inside and outside the gym

Harmanpreet said the trouble started inside the gym around 11 pm, when three men confronted and abused Harmanpreet during training. The verbal harassment unsettled Harmanpreet, but the situation turned violent only after Harmanpreet stepped outside the building.

Once Harmanpreet left the gym, the trio were allegedly waiting near the exit. Harmanpreet recalled being called an "Indian dog" and ordered to "go back to where you came from". A man then allegedly lunged forward and smashed Harmanpreet’s head into Harmanpreet’s nose.

Racist attacks on Indian community in Australia leave nurse needing surgery

Describing the blow to Australian outlet 9News, Harmanpreet said, "He got really close to my face and then just got really back and hit his head on my nose," after which the men reportedly fled. Locals took Harmanpreet to a hospital, where surgery is likely.

The physical injuries were severe, but the psychological effect has been heavier. Harmanpreet told media that the racial slurs keep replaying in Harmanpreet’s mind. "Nobody wants to hear it. Especially when you're just minding your own business," Harmanpreet said, adding that sleep and daily comfort have been disturbed.

Harmanpreet’s sister, Khushi Kaur, said the family in Australia is shaken by the attack and its impact. Harmanpreet mentioned this was not the first experience of racial abuse in the country. "I try to keep myself strong, not care about such things, but it hurts," Harmanpreet said, admitting fear about returning to the gym.

The nurse now questions basic safety while doing normal activities. "I don't know if I am going to go back to the gym... I am not going to feel safe after this," Harmanpreet said, explaining that even familiar public spaces now feel tense and risky.

The assault took place against a wider backdrop of racist attacks on the Indian community in Australia, which intensified after last year’s anti-immigration March for Australia rallies. Earlier this month, several Indian-Australian owned businesses were targeted by thieves, and Sikh and Hindu religious places also came under attack, including the vandalisation of the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Melbourne, leaving many community members alarmed.

Community members in Australia now link Harmanpreet Singh’s attack with this pattern of incidents, viewing it as part of a worrying rise in racism rather than an isolated event. The case has underlined how many young Indian migrants, including students and workers, continue living with fear even while trying to build a future abroad.