Click to play videoNew Delhi: An Indian cab driver was abused verbally and then attacked physically on Friday by a drunk passenger in the Australian city of Ballarat near Melbourne.
Cab driver Sateesh Thaipamula was assaulted by his drunken passenger Paul Brogden. Brogden beat up Thaipamula at a petrol pump and also damaged his cab.
But Brogden was arrested by the police and a court in Ballarat convicted him and sentenced him to three months in prison prompting a note to the Indian media from Australia's High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese.
"The speedy justice provided in this case shows the Australian Government's seriousness in ensuring that high levels of safety and security for all are maintained. The verdict has come out within 24 hours of the incident that took place in Ballarat," said Varghese.
There's been movement forward on other cases involving Indians and 34 people have been arrested so far. Highest priority is being accorded to the investigation in the killing of Nitin Garg while the gurudwara fire investigation has been put on the fast track.
"We can only hope that Australia gets its act together like they are telling us," said Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur.
Indians in Australia were appreciative although uncertain of the future.
"We feel safe in Ballarat but we are hearing new news. Now we are scared," said a group of Indians.
Indians are hopeful the verdict on Brogden will have a salutary effect and are also keen that the Indian media would not blow it up.
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