• Source:JND
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A 42-year-old Indian-origin man, Gaurav Kundi, is fighting for his life on life support in Australia following a brutal police arrest in Adelaide's eastern suburbs. He reportedly suffered severe brain and neck injuries in the incident that is being likened to the 2020 George Floyd incident in the United States. According to local media reports, Kundi and his partner, Amritpal Kaur, were having a heated verbal exchange in public early Thursday morning. The dispute was mistaken by a police patrol as one of domestic violence, and they tried to step in. Kundi, who was also drunk but not aggressive, pushed back at the move of the officers. When he was arrested, he was brought to the ground and reportedly had a knee pushed into his neck by one of the officers. His wife captured the scuffle and could be heard begging police, "He's done nothing wrong." "I stopped taking footage once I witnessed the officer kneeling on his neck," Kaur later explained to 9News, stating that Kundi's head was also bashed against the police vehicle and the ground before losing consciousness.

Severe Injuries, Life Support at Royal Adelaide Hospital

Kundi was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where doctors assured him of extensive brain and cervical nerve damage. He is in a critical condition, and the doctors have not assured that he will wake up. “Maybe he will wake up if his brain works or maybe he will not,” Kaur said, staying by his side in the ICU. The incident has prompted an internal investigation by South Australia Police. However, senior police officials have defended the officers’ conduct. Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said initial body-worn camera footage suggests the officers acted in line with their training. “From the evidence I’ve seen, I’m comfortable that at least one officer acted appropriately. But the full investigation is still underway,” he said. South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Premier Peter Malinauskas also supported the force, explaining officers are left with mere seconds to make a decision when situations are dangerous.

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The incident has sparked public outcry on police brutality, racial profiling, and excessive use of force by Australian police. Civil rights groups and community associations are demanding an open and independent investigation into the incident. “This case cannot be brushed under the carpet,” a representative of the South Asian Human Rights Council stated. "We are calling for justice for Gaurav Kundi and unadulterated access to the bodycam footage," he added.

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There have been no charges filed as of yet in connection with the incident. Police say the internal investigation will determine whether disciplinary action or criminal charges are warranted.