Indian Man Brutally Attacked with Machete in Melbourne, Four Teens Charged

Saurabh Anand, an Indian man in Melbourne, was savagely attacked by teenagers with a machete, leaving his hand nearly severed. He suffered multiple injuries and underwent emergency surgery. Four teens were arrested, but Anand criticised bail decisions, urging justice and tougher action on violent youth crime.

An Indian-origin man, 33-year-old Saurabh Anand, is recovering in intensive care after a violent machete attack outside a shopping centre in Melbourne’s Altona Meadows. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm as Anand exited a pharmacy at Central Square Shopping Centre, moments after collecting medication.

While speaking to a friend on a call, Anand was ambushed from behind by five teenagers. One attacker rummaged through his pockets, another beat him until he collapsed, and a third threatened him with a machete. As Anand raised his arm to protect himself, the blade sliced through his wrist and hand, leaving it “hanging by a thread.”

He also suffered stab wounds to the shoulder and back, a fractured spine, broken bones in his arm, and head trauma. Passersby alerted emergency services, and Anand was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital. Surgeons considered amputation but managed to reattach his hand using screws after complex surgery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Anand said he remains unable to move his hand and is overwhelmed by pain. Doctors have warned his long-term recovery remains uncertain.

Victoria Police have arrested four of the five attackers, including a 14-year-old from Wyndham, who faces multiple charges such as intentional injury, robbery, and unlawful assault. Three others—two aged 15 and another 14—have also been charged and are expected in court in August.

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Anand expressed frustration that two of the accused were granted bail. He called for justice and said the attack should spark broader reforms in youth crime handling. His case has raised concerns over public safety and youth violence in Australian cities.