The case of Gaurav Kundi, a 42-year-old Indian man who has fallen critically ill following his arrest by South Australian police, has sparked a wave of international attention. Kundi was rendered unresponsive during the confrontation on Payneham Road and is currently hospitalised in Adelaide. The incident has been compared by some Indian media to “Australia’s George Floyd Moment,” as Kundi’s partner alleged that an officer applied pressure to his neck during the arrest, mirroring the circumstances surrounding George Floyd’s death in 2020.
South Australian police have firmly denied these allegations, with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens stating that there is no evidence supporting the claim that a knee was placed on Kundi’s neck or that the incident was racially motivated. The concerns surrounding the arrest have prompted Preeti Naladi, representing Adelaide’s Indian community, to advocate for clarity and accountability, expressing deep shock and anxiety within the community regarding this event.
In response to the growing unrest, a letter submitted by the Indian community has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Kundi’s arrest. They are also seeking the suspension of the officers involved until the investigation is concluded, as well as access to any body-worn camera footage relevant to the incident. Naladi raised essential questions about whether the situation could have been avoided, reflecting the broader community’s demand for answers.
While acknowledging the concerns, Stevens urged the public to remain patient as the internal police inquiry is conducted, reassuring them that this procedure is a standard practice across Australia. Police Minister Stephen Mullighan has recognised the profound impact of this incident, encouraging the community to refrain from jumping to conclusions until the investigation is completed.
In light of these developments, segments of the Australian-Indian community are organising a protest for the upcoming week to express their demands for justice and accountability, underscoring the ongoing tension and concern stemming from Kundi’s arrest.