Krishna meets racial attack victim Shravan Kumar

Natasha Chaku

Melbourne, Aug 9 (PTI) Concerned India's External
Affairs Minister S M Krishna Sunday met Indian student Shravan
Kumar, whose disturbing pictures sent shock waves across
Australia and India after being assaulted by a group of
teenagers here, and enquired about his health.

Wrapping up his five-day visit during which he got
assurances from the top Australian leadership on the safety
and security of Indian students, Krishna met Kumar, who is
recuperating after spending weeks in a coma fighting for his
life, at his residence here.

The 25-year-old student from India's southern state of
Andhra Pradesh, one of the first victims of the racial attacks
in Australia, was attacked by a screwdriver by the local
teens, who also assaulted his three Indian friends.

Krishna, who also interacted with the Indian community
members here Saturday, offered Kumar Rs one lakh from his
personal account.

Kumar, his head partially shaven and large scars on his
scalp, welcomed the Minister in his apartment but was not able
to speak much.
During the 15-minute meeting, the minister spoke to the
victim's father and enquired about Kumar's health and extended
his sympathies.

Krishna brought flowers and fruits for Kumar, who was
discharged recently from hospital after his health condition
improved.

Kumar's father T Chidambara Rao said the Indian
government is taking all necessary steps to provide relief to
them.

All medical expenditure has been taken care of both the
Victorian state and Indian governments, he told PTI.

Kumar is yet to recover fully from the attack due to
which he suffered the loss of memory, vision and hearing.

Earlier Sunday, Krishna met Victorian Premier John
Brumby and discussed issues related to the attacks on the
Indian students.

The minister along with senior police officials also
took a round of the western suburbs, including Sunshine, where
the crime rate is high.

He assessed the situation there, including the patrolling
system and the CCTVs which were installed in the wake of the
attacks on the students.

At least 23 Indians fell victim to the racial attacks
in various cities in Australia in the past three months.

On Friday, Krishna met Australian Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd and his counterpart Stephen Smith in Cairns, who assured
him that every Indian student in Australia would be protected.

The External Affairs Minister earlier told reporters he
did not think all the assaults were racist.

Krishna had also met the Indian community members,
including some other students who were subjected to racial
attacks, here Saturday. PTI