An Indian-origin father-of-two is on life support after a violent police arrest in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, raising serious concerns about the use of force by South Australia Police. The incident, caught on video and aired by 9News, shows 42-year-old Gaurav Kundi being tackled to the ground on Payneham Road while shouting, “I’ve done nothing wrong,” as his partner, Amritpal Kaur, films and pleads with officers to stop.
Kundi lost consciousness during the arrest and was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Doctors have since confirmed severe brain and neck nerve damage. His condition remains critical, and his family fears he may not recover. “Maybe he will wake up if his brain works, or maybe he will not,” Kaur told 9News.
According to Kaur, an officer allegedly pressed a knee into Kundi’s neck — drawing parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd in the U.S. — and slammed his head against both the police vehicle and the road. “I stopped filming because I panicked when the officer knelt on him,” she said.
Police say Kundi was intoxicated and violently resisted arrest after an alleged domestic dispute, which they claim was misinterpreted by a passing patrol. Kaur insists her partner was not violent, only drunk and loud.
South Australia Police have launched an internal investigation and are reviewing footage from body-worn cameras. Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said he was “comfortable” with the officers’ actions based on preliminary review, though he acknowledged it was only one part of the evidence.
Premier Peter Malinauskas defended the police, stating, “They do a really difficult job and deserve our support.”
No charges have been filed as the investigation continues. Kaur remains at Kundi’s bedside, hoping for a miracle. “Nothing else I can do,” she said.
The case has sparked public debate on police accountability and the use of force during arrests.