Abdullah Qaiser, a student at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, is recovering in hospital after being assaulted by a man who allegedly smashed his nose with a knuckle duster.
The 21-year-old student said he was driving his car on Ring Road, Callaghan, when he was stopped by a group of around six people.
Mr Qaiser told SBS Urdu that a man opened the car door and punched him in the face while other members in the group snatched his mobile phone. A man in the group yelled at him: “Go back to your f***ing country. You don’t belong here”.
The young man was so badly injured in the attack he needed assistance from a friend to help him speak about the horrifying experience.
“It was so sudden. I was not expecting something like this; I just tried to stop them,” Mr Qaiser said.
After the group left him injured, the victim drove to the university gym where an ambulance was called. Police later took his statement.
He is expected to undergo further treatment in the next few days.
Knuckle dusters are prohibited weapons in Australia and those caught with them risk on-the-spot fines, penalties and prosecution.
According to Mr Qaiser his experiences so far in Australia had been a good and he was left shocked by the attack.
Knuckle dusters are devices that protect the knuckles and increase the effect of a punch or a blow. You aren't allowed to bring knuckle dusters into Australia. Source: PhotoAlto
“I never had any issue. Students come to the library for late studying. We walk around safely.”
A University of Newcastle spokesperson said the university’s security was made aware that a student was allegedly approached and assaulted by a group of people while driving through campus.
“The police were called and the University is assisting the police with their investigation through access to our CCTV footage," the spokesperson said.
"We promote a culture of respect and tolerance and our priority is making sure the student is okay and is supported while the police conduct their investigation.
"Security services are available on our campuses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure our staff and student community are as safe as possible. In addition to increasing security patrols, the University will continue to invest in security infrastructure, such as our expansion of CCTV and emergency help points across campus.
"If anyone on our campuses feels unsafe or needs assistance, they should contact Security Services immediately. Security Services will provide them with a safety escort or shuttle bus service to move them around campus safely at any time of day.”
Police are currently investigating the matter. One of the suspects has been described as a male of Caucasian appearance, aged between 20-25, of a muscular build, and with short blonde hair.
Another, a woman has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 20-25, of a slim build, and with long blonde/brown hair in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a hooded jumper.
Police say they want to speak with a man and a woman who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or .
