A 16-year-old Melbourne teenager of Indian origin, Rhyan Singh, experienced a terrifying incident on his 16th birthday celebration. While he was hanging out with his friends in the western part of the city on Thursday, he became the victim of a brutal attack. The young boy and his two mates were playing basketball in Tarneit when they were unexpectedly ambushed by a gang of around eight men carrying machetes.
During the attack, the group demanded the teenagers to hand over their mobile phones, and Rhyan was also compelled to surrender his newly acquired birthday gift, a pair of Nike Air Jordan sneakers.
The incident left Rhyan in fear for his life, as he was stabbed during the violent altercation. The unexpected turn of events occurred just before he was supposed to return home for a family dinner.
Authorities are investigating the incident, and the community has expressed shock and concern over the random and vicious attack on the young boy and his friends.
In a distressing incident, a Year 10 student was subjected to a brutal attack, enduring multiple stab wounds to his ribs, arms, hands, and back. The assailants allegedly struck him in the back of his head during the harrowing event.
According to Victoria Police, another teenager who was present at the basketball court with the victim Rhyan, also fell victim to the stabbing, resulting in both youths being rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
Rhyan’s parents, Sushma Manandhar and his father, were left heartbroken by the shocking assault. Ms. Manandhar expressed her devastation, saying their world crumbled upon receiving the tragic news.
“It’s not fair… we were planning for his birthday,” Ms. Manandhar shared with 7News.
She recounted the chilling moment when Rhyan expressed his love to her and feared for his life, uttering the words, “Mummy I love you, I think I’m dying, I’ve been stabbed, I think I’m dying.” The impact of the incident has left the family in profound grief, fearing they might lose him forever.
Footage from CCTV, which was obtained by 7News, captured the aftermath of the incident, revealing emergency services responding to the crime scene where the three injured youths were found.
In the footage, a male can be heard screaming in agony, while a distressed mother is heard shouting, “That’s my son.”
Following the incident, on Friday, authorities executed a warrant at a residence in Aintree, located in Melbourne’s western suburbs, leading to the arrest of a 20-year-old man in connection with the case.
The arrested individual has since been charged with armed robbery, robbery, and recklessly causing serious injury. He has been remanded and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Rhyan, the victim, is currently recovering in the hospital after undergoing surgery to salvage the fingers on his left hand. Medical professionals expect him to remain under the hospital’s care for several days. Meanwhile, his two friends are also recovering in the hospital after receiving necessary medical attention.
In response to the distressing incident, Rhyan’s mother, Ms. Manandhar, expressed concern about the safety of children when individuals like the attacker are allowed to roam freely.
Investigations into the incident are still ongoing, and Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the event or possesses any relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Remarkably, this attack occurred just a week after another unrelated incident where three school students were stabbed at a shopping centre in Melbourne’s northwest.
On July 20, a group of teenagers suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds during an alleged attack by an 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys at Watergardens Shopping Centre.
Tragically, earlier in June, the community mourned the loss of two young lives due to knife attacks. Fourteen-year-old Ethan Hoac was killed after being stabbed in St Albans, while 16-year-old Pasawn Lyhym also lost his life in a separate knife attack near Sunshine train station.
