A 33‑year‑old Indian‑origin man named Saurabh Anand was brutally attacked by five teenage boys in Altona Meadows, Melbourne. The assault occurred on the evening of July 19 while he returned from a pharmacy visit after collecting medicine. YouTube+13The Indian Express+13The Shillong Times+13
Anand was ambushed near Central Square Shopping Centre around 7:30 p.m. He was speaking on the phone when the group approached him abruptly from behind and began to search him. The Economic Times+6The Indian Express+6The Economic Times+6
One of the teens searched his pockets while another struck him repeatedly in the head. A third brandished a machete and held it to his throat, initiating a violent assault. The Times of India+6The Economic Times+6The Indian Express+6
Anand raised his arm in defense. The blade sliced through his wrist, severed the hand by cutting through bone, and caused grievous wounds. He later recalled his hand was “hanging by a thread.” YouTube+8The Economic Times+8Firstpost+8
He sustained further injuries to his shoulder, back, head, and arms. His spine was fractured, and multiple bones in his left arm were broken during the attack. Hindustan Times+2The Shillong Times+2Firstpost+2
Bystanders heard his cries and called emergency services. Anand was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital, where surgeons performed complex surgery, successfully reattaching the hand using screws and reconstruction. The Times of India+4The Economic Times+4Hindustan Times+4
Doctors remain uncertain about his long‑term recovery. Anand said he cannot move his hand and only feels pain. He remains under intensive care and faces an unpredictable healing process. News.com.au+69News+6Hindustan Times+6
Police have arrested four of the five suspects. A 14‑year‑old from Wyndham faces charges including robbery, serious injury and assault. Three more boys—two aged 15 and one aged 14—have also been charged. News.com.au+3The Economic Times+3Hindustan Times+3
The fifth suspect remains at large. Two of the charged teens from Hobsons Bay were released on bail and are due to appear in court in August; the Wyndham youth remains in custody. News.com.au+3The Economic Times+3Hindustan Times+3
Local police and residents expressed shock over the severity of the attack. The incident has raised deeper concerns about knife violence involving youth in Melbourne suburbs. Hindustan Times+15News.com.au+15The Economic Times+15
This event follows other recent knife attacks in shopping centres. Authorities previously responded with measures including a statewide ban on machetes starting September 1. The Economic Times
Anand has called for justice and broader action. He worries about community safety and hopes this incident prompts changes to youth violence prevention and legal responses. The Economic Times
Community members have launched support and fundraiser efforts. Anand highlighted his partner’s support while hospitalized, and his fear of returning home alone amid trauma. The Indian Express+59News+5The Times of India+5
Authorities also note a larger trend of youth crime rising in Victoria. Daily arrests have surged, and knife seizures have increased rapidly, spurring tougher bail regulations. The Economic Times
The Victorian government plans a full ban on machetes and stricter bail laws for repeat juvenile offenders. These actions respond to the alarming increase in youth‑related knife attacks. The Economic Times
