This Article is From Dec 31, 2013

Two teens charged for assault on Indian student in Australia

Two teens charged for assault on Indian student in Australia
Melbourne: Two teenagers were on Tuesday charged with brutally attacking and robbing a 20-year-old Indian student in Australia who suffered serious head injuries in the incident.

Manrajwinder Singh from Reservoir remained in an induced coma in a hospital here after being bashed up by thugs early on Sunday.

Singh, who is in Australia to study accounts, was sitting 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.

A 17-year-old Sydenham boy has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, robbery and theft, the Victoria police said in a statement.

He faced an out of sessions court hearing today and has been remanded in custody to appear at a children's court on January 2.

Earlier, a 16 year-old St Albans boy was charged with serious assault and remanded in custody.

The teen was recognised by Protective Services Officers (PSO) from media coverage of the incident, the statement said, adding the PSOs arrested the boy just before midnight at Sunshine Railway Station.

The third arrest in the case, a 15-year-old Ascot Vale boy has been released and is expected to be charged on summons.

A search is on for five others believed to be involved in the incident. The police have appealed to the public for any information to contact them.

The incident was described as a cowardly attack by Detective Senior Constable Adam Foley.

"It was just an opportunistic target from the offenders, they've just seen them there and approached them and done what they've done," Mr Foley said.

Mr Singh's brother Yadwinder Singh, meanwhile, pleaded for justice.

"They hit him on the head and he is in coma. I couldn't just believe it. My brother should get justice because he is fighting for his life," he said.
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