Is an Indian-Origin Man Fighting for Life After Australian Police Used Excessive Force?

Canberra, June 3 (NationPress) A 42-year-old man of Indian descent, Gaurav Kundi, is currently fighting for his life following a harrowing arrest in which he was kneed in the neck and forced to the ground by Australian police in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.

He is now receiving treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he remains on life support due to severe brain and neck injuries, as reported by local media.

His family has claimed that the police exercised excessive force during the arrest, which resulted in the father of two losing consciousness and suffering grave injuries.

A video captured by Kundi's wife, Amritpal Kaur, depicts him being restrained on Payneham Road. In the footage, Kundi can be heard exclaiming, "I've done nothing wrong," while Kaur is seen crying, asserting his innocence.

"I only recorded 19 seconds of video because I panicked and sat down next to Gaurav. I kept pleading that he wasn't well and requested that they call an ambulance," she told local news outlet 9News.

"Doctors have warned us that his brain is severely damaged. There’s a possibility he may wake up if his brain functions, but there’s also a chance he might not," she added.

Reflecting on the incident, Kaur mentioned that a loud argument between them drew the attention of a police patrol, who mistakenly perceived it as a case of domestic violence.

"I stepped out to follow him, asking what he was doing and urging him to come home. He was intoxicated and unwell," she recalled.

"He merely pushed me slightly. The officer assumed he was assaulting me and that it was domestic violence, but they were mistaken. He was just loud because he was drunk," she clarified.

Kaur accused the police of injuring her husband when his head was slammed against the police car and the pavement, and that he was kneed in the neck while lying on the ground.

She also attempted to inform the police about Kundi's pre-existing health issues.

"His brain has been damaged because the officer hit him very hard against the road. His health is deteriorating, and his heart isn't functioning well. I’m just sitting there, praying to God. That’s all I can do," she lamented.

In the meantime, the South Australia Police have initiated an internal investigation and are analyzing body-worn camera footage.

Previously, Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia expressed that he believed the officers acted appropriately.

"Based on the evidence I’ve reviewed, particularly from the body-worn video, I’m comfortable with the actions of the officers involved, although this reflects only one perspective," stated Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia.