A 42-year-old Indian-origin man, Gaurav Kundi, is currently on life support in Australia after a violent arrest in Adelaide's eastern suburbs. The incident has sparked concerns about the use of force by South Australia Police and ignited public debate regarding police accountability.
The incident unfolded on Payneham Road, where Kundi was apprehended by police. Video footage of the arrest, aired by 9News, shows Kundi being forced to the ground while repeatedly shouting, "I've done nothing wrong." His partner, Amritpal Kaur, filmed the incident and pleaded with officers to stop.
Kaur alleges that during the arrest, an officer pressed a knee into Kundi's neck, drawing parallels to the George Floyd case in the United States, and slammed his head against the police vehicle and the road. She stated that she stopped filming out of panic when the officer knelt on Kundi. Kundi lost consciousness during the arrest and was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Doctors have confirmed that he suffered severe brain and neck nerve damage and is currently on life support. Kaur expressed fears that he may not recover, stating, "Maybe he will wake up if his brain works, or maybe he will not."
South Australia Police claim that Kundi was intoxicated and violently resisted arrest after an alleged domestic dispute, which they say was misinterpreted by a passing patrol car. However, Kaur insists that her partner was not violent, only drunk and loud. She explained that they were arguing, and she had followed him after he left their home, attempting to persuade him to return. She believes that the police mistook her attempts to guide him home as domestic violence.
South Australia Police have launched an internal investigation and are reviewing footage from body-worn cameras. Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia stated that he was "comfortable" with the officers' actions based on a preliminary review of the evidence. However, he acknowledged that it was only one part of the evidence and that investigations are ongoing. Premier Peter Malinauskas has also voiced his support for the police, stating, "They do a really difficult job and deserve our support."
No charges have been filed against Kundi as the investigation continues. Kaur remains at his bedside, hoping for a miracle. The incident has drawn strong reactions, with many questioning the appropriateness of the force used during the arrest. The case has become a focal point for discussions on police conduct and the need for greater accountability.