The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday the high commission in Canberra is in touch with the local authorities over an incident of stabbing of an Indian student in Australia and expects action to be taken against the perpetrators.
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
The 28-year-old Indian student was stabbed multiple times in the face, chest and abdomen in Australia by a man who allegedly demanded cash, according to local media reports.
The incident took place at about 10.30 pm on October 6 as Shubham Garg walked along the Pacific Highway, the NSW Police Force said in a statement on Monday. Police have arrested Daniel Norwood and the 27-year-old suspect is charged with attempted murder after Garg, allegedly suffered multiple stab wounds to the face, chest and abdomen, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported. Garg underwent surgery and remains there in a serious but stable condition, the NSW Police Force statement said. Garg was approached by an unknown man near the Pacific Highway Lane Cove on Thursday. The unknown man allegedly threatened him while demanding cash, In The Cove newspaper reported.
The man refused and was allegedly stabbed a number of times in the abdomen before the assailant fled, the report added.
The emergency services were called. The North Shore Police Area Command attended and located the injured man and established a crime scene, it said.
Officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command have been investigating the stabbing and formed Strike Force Prosy, it said.
Asked about the incident, Bagchi said the Indian High Commission in Canberra and the consulate in Sydney are in close touch with the local authorities and a suspect is in custody.
"It is a sad incident. He (Garg) is in a hospital and treatment is being done," Bagchi said.
"We expect that the matter is dealt with seriously and action is taken against the perpetrators," he added.
Bagchi said the Indian mission is also in touch with Garg's family members and providing help in expediting their travel to Australia.
