A 33-year-old Indian-origin man named Saurabh Anand was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers outside a shopping centre in Melbourne’s Altona Meadows on July 19, according to local media reports. He was walking home after buying medicine when the assault happened.

Teenagers ambush man with machete

The violent attack occurred around 7:30 pm, near the Central Square Shopping Centre. Anand was talking to a friend on the phone when, as he described, "within seconds, they had surrounded me." He said he didn’t hear anything before the attack began.

While one teenager searched his pockets, another kept punching him in the head until he fell. A third then took out a machete and pressed it to his throat.

Machete blows cause severe damage

Anand said he lifted his arm to protect his face and wrist, and “while I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist." He added that the "second attack went through my hand", and the "third went through the bone."

He also suffered cuts and stab wounds to his shoulder and back, a fractured spine, and head injuries. Anand recalled that during the attack, "all I remember is the pain, and my hand was… hanging by a thread."

He cried for help and strangers came to his rescue

Despite losing a lot of blood, Anand managed to drag himself out of the centre and shouted, “I’ve been attacked. Please help me,” when he saw passersby. Strangers quickly came to his aid and called emergency services.

He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where doctors initially thought they might have to amputate his hand. But after hours of emergency surgery, which included placing screws in his wrist and hand, surgeons were able to reattach it.

However, Anand admitted, “The doctors say my injuries are so severe that they’re unsure how this is going to go. I cannot move my hand … All I feel in it is pain.”

Four teens arrested, two released on bail

Police have arrested four teenage boys suspected of being involved in the attack. The fifth suspect has not yet been found.

One of them, a 14-year-old boy from Wyndham, was charged with intentionally causing serious injury and unlawful assault. He has been ordered to appear before a children’s court on August 15.

Two 15-year-old boys from the Hobsons Bay area were charged with similar crimes. They were released on bail and are expected to appear in court on August 11. Police say the fourth teen will be charged by summons.

Victim seeks justice after attackers released on bail

Anand expressed his disappointment at the news that two of the accused were released on bail. He said, “I’m seeking justice. I don’t want anyone else in the community to be going through the same trauma I have.”