An Indian man jailed in Australia has been in the news from Haryana to Sydney. Demostrations are being held in India, with people demanding his release. This man is Vishal Jood, who comes from Gobindgarh in Kurukshetra. So, what is it about this man that has support of the leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party?
The story begins on 16 September 2020, when five men attacked a Sikh youth on the streets of Sydney. The attackers and the victim were all Indians.
Then, on 14 February 2021, five men armed with hockey sticks and other weapons attacked a young Sikh man in a car. The victim was beaten with rods. Then, on 28 February 2021, a group of ten men attacked a car. The four occupants of the car escaped but the attackers damaged the car.
Sydney police has been investigating all these incidents and finally arrested Vishal Jood on 16 February in Parramatta. He appeared before court on 17 April.
He has been charged with three counts of affray, three counts of armed with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of destroying or damaging property, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in the company of other(s). These offences carry separate jail terms ranging between two and ten years.
According to what is being reported in the media, people rallying in support of Vishal claim that he is being charged under false cases because he stopped ‘Khalistanis’ from insulting the Indian national flag.
The police statement has no mention of any ‘flag rally’.
All the cases registered by the police relate to assault on others at night, in the company of other people.
It is now up to the Australian courts to decide on this case. We will continue to update you. Please stay connected with us on www.nriaffairs.com.
