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Harris Park brawl accused yet to enter plea in courts

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paramatta court
Source: NSW Courts

The three men arrested in connection to the Harris Park brawl in August were scheduled to appear in court on 7 October after being granted conditional bail. However, two of the accused have been given court dates later this month to appear before a magistrate and enter their plea.

The two accused are now expected to appear before a magistrate on 21 October and 28 October respectively. It has been confirmed that, although unusual in such a case, they will be appearing on different dates.

Baljinder Singh Thukral has been accused of allegedly threatening or inciting violence on grounds of religion (Section 93Z of the Crimes Act), using a carriage service (his mobile phone) to cause menace, and affray (unlawful violence which could cause others present to fear their safety).

The second accused, Manhar Singh, has been accused of allegedly driving in a dangerous manner and of common assault.

If the two men plead not guilty, it is expected that the case will be further delayed, with court proceedings to take place accordingly.

The third accused, Avon Kanwal, appeared in court on 7 October. He pled not guilty to charges of allegedly using a carriage service to cause menace or harass. Kanwal is set to appear in court next on 18 November.

Although Singh and Thukral were apprehended in a swift manner after the brawl, Kanwal was arrested two weeks after the incident.

Since the incident, there has already been an outcry by the Indian community on social media who condemned the incident and demanded that the miscreants be brought to justice.

harris park brawl
Source: Channel 9

Indian Link previously reported about the Harris Park brawl in Sydney that took place on 28 August. Some 200 Indians had gathered for a fight organised on social media, which descended into a brawl. Videos on social media showed rioters with cricket bats and iron rods and the riot police had to disperse the crowd. It was theorised that the fight was a turf war, although details later emerged of possibly anti-national elements of Khalistan.

Since the incident, the Indian community in Australia have largely expressed satisfaction with the police’s quick action. Many expressed anger and disappointment that differences on grounds such as religion carried over from India to Australia.

Days after the brawl, Chief Inspector Jason Donald from Parramatta LAC assured the Harris Park community of the police’s support.

“We will work with the local business community to make sure Harris Park is a safe and a family friendly area. I personally have attended many events there and it is wonderful to note the exuberance in the community,” he said.

Pawan Luthra
Pawan Luthra
Pawan is the publisher of Indian Link and is one of Indian Link's founders. He writes the Editorial section.

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