Support is building for Saurabh, a 33-year-old man from Altona Meadows, who was left with multiple injuries after a machete attack outside Central Square Shopping Centre. A local resident since 2022, Saurabh had gone to the shops on a regular day. He ended up in hospital with a fractured spine, broken arm, head trauma, and stab wounds to his shoulder and back.
His friend Kanika, who started a fundraiser to help cover his treatment and living expenses, described the aftermath in plain terms. “He’s still struggling to come to terms with what a bad ordeal he had to go through,” she wrote. “He is currently suffering from life-affecting physical injuries and mental trauma from the attack.”
The fundraiser has drawn donations and messages of support from across Victoria. “This would help him to support his medical expenses while covering the loss of income from work and recover from his physical injuries and mental distress through rehabilitation,” Kanika said.
Victoria Police have already arrested and charged several teenagers in connection with the incident. Detectives from the Westgate Alliance Crime Taskforce have confirmed that weapons were used and multiple attackers were involved.
The attack took place in broad daylight, shaking local confidence in public safety. While police maintain there’s no evidence the attack was racially motivated, community groups have expressed concern about the rising frequency of street violence and called for stricter control over knife access.
From 1 September, Victoria will officially ban the sale and possession of machetes, following pressure from various community and law enforcement bodies. An interim ban is already in place for high-risk bladed weapons, which include machetes and knives with no practical purpose.
Saurabh, who works full time in the city and has no prior involvement in any criminal matter, now faces a long road to recovery. Beyond surgeries and medication, Kanika says the healing will also require time and mental strength. “The journey is going to be long to bring it back to normal considering the expenses required for ongoing therapy, counselling, medication and rental expenses are not easy,” she wrote.
“All the funds will directly go to his account to assure him some financial support and to assure him that the community is with him in this tough time,” she added.
The attack has stirred local and state-level discussions on bail laws, policing, and multicultural safety. Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Brad Battin told The Indian Sun that “people are gaming the system,” referring to repeat offenders. He has called for mandatory jail terms for those who breach bail, saying his party would prioritise public safety over leniency.
As Saurabh recovers in hospital, the GoFundMe page continues to gather momentum, offering a sense of collective care amid what Kanika describes as a deeply painful time. “We can’t thank you enough for all your support,” she said.
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