‘My hand was hanging by a thread’: Indian man attacked with machete in Melbourne; four teens held

Victoria Police have arrested four teenage boys in connection with the violent attack, while a fifth suspect remains at large.

A 33-year-old Indian-origin man is reportedly recovering from life-threatening injuries after being viciously attacked by a group of teenagers wielding a machete in Melbourne.

The victim, Saurabh Anand, was returning home from a pharmacy near Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows on the evening of July 19 when he was ambushed.

According to The Australia Today, Anand sustained severe wounds, including a nearly severed hand, a fractured spine, broken bones in his arm, and injuries to his head, back, and shoulder. Doctors at Royal Melbourne Hospital have reportedly managed to reattach his hand after hours of emergency surgery, though its full recovery remains uncertain.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Anand recounted the terrifying incident in an interview with The Age. He was on a phone call when he noticed movement nearby. "I didn’t hear a sound. Within seconds, they had surrounded me,” he said.

One teen rifled through his pockets while another repeatedly punched him in the head. A third then drew a machete and pressed it against his throat. As Anand tried to protect himself, the blade slashed through his wrist and hand, cutting down to the bone.

“They didn’t stop,” he said. “I was just trying to survive. My hand was hanging by a thread.”

Despite his critical injuries, Anand managed to stumble out of the centre and cry for help. Strangers quickly came to his aid and called emergency services. He was rushed to the hospital, where surgeons placed screws in his hand and wrist to save it from amputation.

“The doctors say the damage is extensive. I can’t move my hand… all I feel is pain,” Anand said.

Victoria Police have arrested four teenage boys in connection with the violent attack, while a fifth suspect remains at large. A 14-year-old from Wyndham has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury and unlawful assault. He is scheduled to appear in children’s court on August 15.

Two 15-year-olds from the Hobsons Bay area, facing similar charges, were released on bail and are expected in court on August 11. The fourth suspect is likely to be charged on summons.

Anand, devastated by the news that some of his attackers were released on bail, expressed his frustration and called for justice.

“I’m seeking justice. I don’t want anyone else in the community to go through what I’ve been through,” he said.