Sydney, June 3, 2025 — A disturbing incident in Australia has drawn widespread attention after footage emerged of police officers restraining an Indian-origin man by kneeling on his neck during an arrest in the city of Brisbane. The man, identified as 32-year-old Karan Deep Singh, is now in critical condition at a local hospital, prompting outrage within migrant communities and renewed scrutiny of police conduct.

 

The Incident

 

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary statements from the Queensland Police, the incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Logan Central suburb, a multicultural area south of Brisbane. Police were reportedly responding to a call about a domestic disturbance at a shared residence when Singh allegedly became “agitated and non-compliant.”

 

A video recorded by a bystander shows officers pinning Singh to the ground as he struggles and pleads for help. One officer is seen pressing his knee into Singh’s neck for several seconds while others hold down his arms and legs. The footage quickly went viral on social media, drawing comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States.

 

Moments later, Singh appears to lose consciousness. Paramedics arrived shortly after and administered CPR before transporting him to Princess Alexandra Hospital. Hospital officials have confirmed that Singh remains in intensive care, in a medically induced coma.

 

Public Reaction and Community Response

 

The Indian diaspora in Australia, which numbers over 700,000 people, has reacted with shock and anger. Community leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the police actions and are calling for an independent inquiry.

 

Dr. Rajiv Malhotra, spokesperson for the Australian South Asian Human Rights Forum, said in a press briefing:

 

“This is deeply troubling. What we are seeing is a repeat of aggressive policing tactics that can be fatal. The Indian community demands transparency and accountability.”

 

The Consulate General of India in Sydney has issued a statement expressing concern and confirmed that it is in contact with local authorities and the family of the injured man. The Indian High Commission in Canberra has also taken up the matter with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation

 

The Queensland Police have acknowledged the incident and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. In a statement, Acting Deputy Commissioner Laura Williams said:

 

“We take these matters very seriously. The use of force by officers is governed by strict protocols, and any deviation from those standards will be thoroughly investigated.”

 

She further noted that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.

 

Bodycam footage from the officers at the scene is also being reviewed. Civil liberties advocates have demanded that this footage be released to the public to ensure transparency.

 

Legal and Ethical Concerns

 

This case has reignited the debate around the use of force by police in Australia, particularly against minorities and immigrants. While Australia has not seen widespread police brutality incidents on the scale of some other nations, this incident underscores persistent concerns about racial profiling and excessive use of force.

 

Legal experts argue that kneeling on a suspect’s neck — especially after global condemnation of the tactic — should be prohibited in most circumstances.

Professor Samantha Holt from the University of Queensland School of Law said:

 

“The maneuver is inherently dangerous and can quickly lead to unconsciousness or death due to restricted airflow. There are safer, less lethal methods of restraint.”

 

Singh’s family has retained legal counsel and is reportedly considering legal action against the Queensland Police for excessive force and negligence.

 

Broader Context

 

This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions around race and law enforcement practices in several parts of the world. Australia has, in recent years, come under increasing scrutiny for its treatment of Indigenous Australians and other ethnic minorities by law enforcement.

 

The country has made efforts to improve diversity training and accountability within its police forces, but critics argue that systemic reform is still lacking.

 

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are disproportionately involved in use-of-force incidents compared to their overall population share.

 

Calls for Reform

 

In the wake of the incident, calls for police reform have intensified. Several human rights groups and civil society organizations are urging the government to establish an independent oversight body with real authority to investigate and prosecute cases of police misconduct.

 

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi has demanded urgent parliamentary discussion on the issue, stating:

 

“It’s not enough to say ‘we’re investigating.’ Australians deserve a policing system that protects all equally, without fear or prejudice.”

 

What Happens Next

 

As Karan Deep Singh fights for his life, the outcome of the investigation — and the government’s response — will be closely watched, not just by Australians, but by the international community.

 

For now, the focus remains on ensuring a fair investigation, support for the family, and accountability for any misconduct. But the larger question looms: how many more such incidents will it take before meaningful reform becomes a priority?