Saurabh Anand, a Melbourne man, has shared the profound impact of a violent attack that nearly caused him to lose his hand, stating that his life will never return to normal. Recently discharged from hospital, he faces significant uncertainty regarding the functionality of his hand after a vicious encounter with a group of armed teenagers.
The 33-year-old was assaulted outside an Altona Meadows pharmacy when he refused to surrender his belongings, leading one assailant to brandish a machete. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, Anand instinctively raised his arm to shield his throat, resulting in severe injuries to his left arm. “My hand and my arm were literally hanging by a thread,” he recounted, recalling the chaotic scene where he was drenched in blood.
Anand described the relentless assault as the attackers repeatedly hacked at his arm, ultimately snatching his mobile phone before fleeing. Left bleeding and in agony on the footpath, he was eventually aided by a passerby. His harrowing week in hospital involved multiple surgeries, yet he remains uncertain about whether he will regain any functionality in his hand.
The attack has left Anand grappling with not only physical pain but also psychological trauma, as he admitted, “Mentally I’m still there being attacked every night.” In response to the attack, police have charged four teenagers, including a 14-year-old with a prior similar incident, while a fifth individual is expected to face charges soon.
In light of his ordeal, Anand has initiated a fundraiser to garner support and has called upon the state government to improve safety measures, expressing a desire not to be forgotten as just another victim of violence. He articulated a strong message: “I don’t want to be someone who is just being attacked and forgotten,” highlighting the need for greater awareness and action against such incidents.
Anand’s story serves as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of violence and the urgent need for community support and systemic change to enhance safety in public spaces.