36-Year-Old Man Almost Lost Hand In 50-Man Religious Brawl In Australia

15 men were reportedly arrested for their part in a 50-man religious brawl in Australia. The suspects were allegedly part of the Brisbane Sikh Temple and that the reason behind the melee was a power struggle.

According to acting superintendent Simon Tayler, all men were armed with makeshift weapons. This included swords, axes, bats and metal poles according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Aside from that, others improvised in creating weapons by turning batons, golf clubs, knives and a shovel into something deadly.

“It would’ve been a confronting scene for anyone attending or witnessing it,” Tayler said.

15 men were arrested in connection with the brawl that erupted on Monday, Sept. 13. Arrests were made on Thursday, Sept. 16 with five charged of grievous bodily harm and affray while two were charged with assault and affray. Eight individuals were also charged with affray.

As far as casualties, a 36-year-old man reportedly almost lost his hand. He was identified as Naginda Singh who also suffered neck and head injuries.

Singh alleged that he received a call from one of the accused named Gurlal Singh. He said that they were to meet at a park in Runcorn, a suburb of Brisbane.

“The victim in this matter was initially located at the scene with one hand almost severed through and required emergency first aid in order to stabilise the bleeding,” the police stated.

The whole incident was described as a frenzied attack per Sgt. Wade Domagala. He also told the court that there were allegations of previous threats made to gain control of the Sikh temple’s committee.

“At no point is it acceptable to meet in an open street with the level of weaponry they had to solve whatever their issues were,” Tayler stated. “The police service takes an exceptionally dim view on people who believe that’s how you solve disputes.”

Several locals witnessed the incident and recorded it. But due to the seriousness of the issue, most locked themselves home for their safety.

More arrests on individuals involved in the melee were expected to be made on Friday, Sept. 17.