A Sikh nurse of Indian origin was allegedly assaulted at a gym in Geeelong, near Melbourne, Australia, in what authorities are investigating as a racially motivated attack. The incident occurred in February 2026 while the nurse was working out.
According to a report by New York Post, the nurse, identified as Harman Preet Singh, was approached after the gym and physically attacked by three gym-goers on Tuesday night. During the altercation, the assailant allegedly used racial slurs, including calling him an “Indian dog,” before headbutting him.
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Singh sustained a broken nose and facial injuries as a result of the assault. Medical evaluation later confirmed the nasal fracture. Photographs published in media reports showed visible swelling and bruising following the incident. He reportedly required hospital treatment for his injuries.
The attack was reported to South Australia Police, who have launched an investigation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the gym and gathering witness statements to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. At the time of reporting, details regarding arrests or formal charges had not been publicly confirmed.
Singh, who works as a nurse, stated that the incident "left him shaken".
As a healthcare professional, he is part of Australia’s essential medical workforce, which includes a significant number of overseas-trained and migrant healthcare workers.
Under Australian law, assaults accompanied by racial abuse may be investigated as potential hate crimes, depending on evidence establishing bias motivation. Police have not yet publicly classified the case but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The incident has drawn attention due to the alleged racial abuse directed at a healthcare worker outside a clinical setting. Healthcare professionals often work in high-pressure environments, and safety concerns extend beyond hospital premises to community spaces.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their inquiry.
Many incidents involving violence against healthcare workers have been reported recently. A brutal racist attack against an Indian nurse in USA was reported in March last year. The nurse was left disfigured after an attack by a patient. Many similar incidents involving Indians have been reported in the past.
A Sikh nurse of Indian origin was reportedly assaulted at a gym in Australia, sustaining a broken nose and facial injuries. Allegations of racial abuse during the attack have prompted authorities to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime.
