A video from Melbourne, Australia has gone viral showing two van drivers from India being confronted by alleged car thieves at a gas station in Scoresby. The incident was recorded and later published on the Internet, generating considerable attention. It was first shared on Facebook by Andre Octavio, who said his daughter witnessed the episode.
According to the post, the confrontation started when one of the drivers, identified as Sahil, was approached by two men while he was taking a lunch break. The suspects allegedly directed racial abuse at him before physically pushing him and demanding his truck keys.
“Two young junkie idiots started yelling racial slurs at him. Sahil ignored them and continued to eat. They then approached him, pushed him and demanded he give them the keys to his truck. What Sahil did next was absolutely amazing,” the caption of the Facebook post read.
Despite the odds, Sahil resisted and refused to comply. The video shows him confronting the men as the situation escalates into a physical altercation with punches and kicks exchanged. His reaction seems to make the attackers retreat towards a nearby vehicle. Moments later, his colleague joins him and together they are seen pushing against the alleged attackers.
Victoria Police said there were no serious injuries. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a red Subaru. Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing available footage while appealing to the public for information.
Reaction on social networks
The video has since gone viral and sparked strong reactions online, with many users applauding the drivers’ courage.
“They chose the wrong guy on the wrong day. They came to rob but left with a life lesson,” wrote one user. “Melbourne streets learned a lesson today – one fearless Indian in a red shirt took on two thugs,” read another comment, while one user added: “Bhai ne India ka naam roshan kar diya.”
“He is the real Dhurandhar,” wrote one user.
Meanwhile, Andre has started a GoFundMe campaign to support Sahil. Explaining the initiative, he wrote: “I’m raising money for Sahil, a local hero who fended off two junkies who tried to steal his truck. I say let’s buy him and his boys a beer and a new spirit level!”
