Indian-origin man dies after police allegedly kneel on his neck in Australia

A 42-year-old Indian-origin man, Gaurav Kundi, has died in Australia two weeks after a controversial police encounter in Adelaide’s Royston Park, triggering public outrage and demands for accountability over the alleged excessive use of force by law enforcement.

According to media reports, the incident occurred on May 29 when South Australia Police intervened in a reported domestic dispute between Kundi and his partner, Amritpal Kaur. During the arrest, Kaur alleges that officers tackled Kundi to the ground and that one officer pressed a knee into his neck.

Footage recorded by Kaur shows Kundi shouting, “I have done nothing wrong,” as she tearfully pleads with officers to stop. Kaur later told 9News that she stopped filming in panic after allegedly witnessing her husband’s head being slammed against a police vehicle and the road.

Kundi, a father of two, sustained serious brain injuries during the incident and fell into a coma. He died on June 13 while undergoing treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Quoting media reports, South Australia Police have denied allegations of excessive force in the arrest of Gaurav Kundi. According to their preliminary findings, bodycam footage and an internal review do not corroborate claims that an officer placed a knee on Kundi’s neck or that his head was slammed into a vehicle or the ground. Authorities further stated that Kundi had “violently resisted arrest” and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

Senior police officials told reporters there was “nothing to support any allegations” of misconduct, stating they were “comfortable” with the officers’ actions after reviewing the available bodycam footage. A formal investigation is underway, with oversight from the State Coroner, the Office of Public Integrity, and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case is being treated as a death in police custody.

The incident has sparked widespread anger within the Indian-Australian community, especially after the video circulated on social media. Sunny Singh, a councillor at Port Augusta City Council, publicly confirmed Kundi’s death and called for justice.

The Indian Consulate has been informed of the incident, which is expected to remain under close public and diplomatic scrutiny as investigations progress.