A 33-year-old Indian-origin man, Saurabh Anand, suffered life-threatening injuries after being attacked by a teenage gang wielding a machete in Melbourne’s Altona Meadows. The assault took place on July 19 at the Central Square Shopping Centre and has raised concerns about youth violence and community safety.

According to reports, Anand was ambushed by three teenagers. One searched his pockets, another struck him in the head, and the third slashed him multiple times with a machete. Anand tried to shield himself with his arm, which was nearly severed in the process. “My hand was hanging by a thread,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald, recalling the terrifying ordeal.

In addition to the nearly amputated hand, Anand suffered fractures in his spine and left arm, along with head injuries. Doctors initially feared they would have to amputate, but were able to reattach the hand after hours of complex surgery involving metal screws.

Anand said he was left semi-conscious and in extreme pain, crying out for help as the attackers fled with his phone. Bystanders called emergency services, and he was rushed to the hospital. His partner has been by his side since, reportedly too shaken to return home.

Victoria Police confirmed that multiple teenagers were arrested. A 14-year-old is in custody until mid-August, while two 15-year-olds face charges of causing serious injury, robbery, and assault. Both were granted bail and are scheduled to appear in the Children’s Court on August 11.

Anand expressed shock and concern that two of the attackers were released on bail, saying he now fears for his safety. “Every time I close my eyes, I see them attacking me,” he said.

The incident has sparked conversations around rising youth crime and the safety of migrant communities in Australia.

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