In a shocking incident in Melbourne’s west, a ride-share driver named Rajneesh, an international student, has suffered severe injuries and trauma after being attacked by a group of men armed with machetes. The assault occurred around 1am on a Sunday morning as Rajneesh was picking up a passenger in Albion. Reports suggest that three to four attackers forcibly entered his vehicle and assaulted him with machetes.
Rajneesh, 25, endured deep cuts on his hands and multiple stab wounds to his legs during the prolonged attack, which lasted several minutes before he managed to escape. His friend Rahul Jamwal recounted the brutal details, noting that even as Rajneesh attempted to flee, one man pursued him with a knife. Fortunately, a bystander came to his aid and called for an ambulance.
Following the traumatic episode, Rajneesh underwent three surgeries and is currently dealing with both physical recovery and emotional distress. Jamwal highlighted the nastiness of the attack and questioned the motives behind such violence, expressing concern for Rajneesh, who had come to Australia to study and pursue a better future.
Friends and supporters of Rajneesh have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help him manage living expenses and medical bills during his recovery, which may take six to ten months. As a student living alone in Australia without family, Rajneesh finds himself in a challenging situation without financial support while he heals.
In response to the attack, DiDi’s Head of External Affairs, Daniel Jordan, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the safety of their drivers and passengers, stating that they were investigating the incident and cooperating with law enforcement. He emphasised that such harmful behaviour contradicts the platform’s values and assured that DiDi would take appropriate actions against any violators.
Meanwhile, police are actively investigating and have expressed that the attackers fled the scene without taking anything. Authorities are calling on the public for any information that could aid in the case. The community is left shocked by the violence, underscoring a pressing need for enhanced safety measures for drivers within the ride-sharing industry.