An Indian-origin Uber driver in Queensland has been pursuing a legal battle against the state police, alleging racial discrimination and inappropriate conduct by its officers against him.
According to Singh, on 26 January 2023, he was working his usual Uber shift when he dropped off a passenger nearby and stopped his car by the roadside to take a phone call.
Singh claims that during this time, a woman from a nearby house came out and began shouting at him.
Singh claims that the woman verbally abused him, made racial remarks, accused him of indecent behaviour, and called the cops.
When the police arrived at the scene, Singh claims that he requested an interpreter, but his request was denied.
Singh told SBS Punjabi that the officers present had "already formed an opinion" and did not fully listen to his explanation.
"The allegations against me were based on a witness statement unsupported by any evidence. Despite this, the matter was pursued," Singh, who does not want to reveal his first name due to privacy concerns, told SBS Punjabi
As part of the Court proceedings, a body-worn camera worn by the police officer revealed that while leaving the scene, one officer made derogatory and racially charged comments about individuals of Indian background during a conversation with his colleague.
When the Magistrates' Court ruled in Singh’s favour, Singh took the matter to the human rights authorities.
Singh has sought about $500,000 in compensation from the police, and the matter is now before the federal court.
In his conversation with SBS Punjabi, he said, “I was wrongly accused of something that is considered offensive in every culture, but is an even bigger stigma in mine… my dignity was completely taken away."
According to Singh, the prolonged legal process had a profound impact on his life.
He says the allegations pushed him into mental distress.
“All the plans and dreams I had while coming to Australia had vanished before my eyes.”Mr. Singh
Singh claims to have spent all his savings fighting the case, but did not back down, as he felt that he was fighting for self-respect.
He is now calling for senior government officials to issue a statement and apology to the Indian community, stating that a senior constable made highly offensive remarks about the entire community.
However, Singh also says he still has faith in Australia’s legal system.
“If I did not trust the system, I would not have fought this case, and I would not be here speaking to the media today.”Mr. Singh
The Queensland Police Service said it takes allegations of inappropriate or discriminatory conduct seriously and that appropriate inquiries were undertaken in this matter, with the officer subject to professional development measures.
In response to queries raised by SBS Punjabi, Queensland Police said in a written statement, "The matter was assessed, and appropriate inquiries were undertaken."
The matter was assessed and appropriate inquiries were undertaken. As a result, the officer was subject to professional development strategies aimed at addressing the identified conduct and reinforcing the expected standards of professionalism and respectful engagement with the community.QPS Spokesperson
Listen to Singh talk about his legal battle in this podcast with SBS Punjabi
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