Police arrested a man after allegedly assaulting a taxi driver in Southbank on 5 May.
Investigators have been told the victim, a 22-year-old man from Craigieburn, was allegedly assaulted at a taxi rank on Clarendon Street about 3.15am.
Security from a nearby gaming venue intervened and the offender, a 30-year-old man from Kensington, was arrested by police.
Taxi driver Mr Singh* had to be hospitalised for a broken nose and bruises on his face.
It is understood that the driver was attacked after he refused services to a group of ‘drunk and abusive’ passengers.
The driver also claims that he was racially abused and targeted for his Sikh appearance.
Mr Singh who is a turban-wearing Sikh had his hair pulled out and punched in the face that left him badly shaken and fearing for his life.
Police told SBS Punjabi the offender will be charged on summons for unlawful assault, & recklessly cause Injury.
Earlier, Mr Singh said three young passengers entered his taxi while he was waiting for his turn at the Crown Casino taxi rank this Saturday.
“I requested them to take the first taxi in the queue… but not only they ignored it but also kept on hurling abuses and racial comments,” he said.
“When I’d enough of this behaviour, I told them to leave the taxi. But before moving out one of the passengers took my turban off and threw it outside. He shouted, d***head, F**k your turban.”
Mr Singh attended hospital today for a routine check-up.
“I am getting a bit better now. The doctors will check again sometime next week if any surgeries are required for my broken nose,” he said.
“I am very thankful to the members of the Indian community and my fellow taxi drivers who have come forward to support me.”
The Consulate General of India in Melbourne has also contacted Mr Singh to provide consular support.
His last name*
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