India takes up latest attack with Australia

NEW DELHI - India Saturday said it is “vigorously” pursuing with the Australian authorities the latest attack in which a 29-year-old Indian has suffered burn injuries in Melbourne, and has clarified that his condition is “not critical”.

The attack early Saturday came barely a week after the fatal stabbing of an Indian student. Jaspreet Singh has received burn injuries in an alleged attack by miscreants, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said here.

“No further details regarding the individual or incident are available at present, he said.

“The Indian High Commissioner in Canberra and Consul General in Melbourne are following up this matter vigorously with the Australian authorities, he said.

The spokesperson clarified that the condition of the victim is not critical but he has been hospitalised and is receiving treatment.

Days after the Australian authorities reportedly accused India of whipping up hysteria over attacks on students, the Indian government asked the media to exercise utmost restraint in reporting on these sensitive issues, as it could aggravate the situation and could have a bearing on our bilateral relations with Australia.

In the latest incident, Jaspreet Singh suffered burns to his face, arms and chest after he was set on fire by four men while parking his car in the northwestern part of Melbourne around 2 a.m. Saturday.

The latest attack comes a week after 21-year-old Indian graduate Nitin Garg was stabbed to death in a Yarraville park Jan 2. He staggered to Hungry Jack’s restaurant — where he worked — and pleaded for help before collapsing. He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he died.