Aussie man in intensive care after mob beating in India

Ruins of an ancient temple in Hampi, Karnataka, India

An Australian man is recovering in intensive care after being tied up and beaten by a mob in south-west India.

Photographs seen by ABC News show the 35-year-old man from Melbourne laying in a hospital bed with a rope tied around his shoulders and wrists with his face covered in blood, dirt and bruises.

Local police from Karnataka, where the incident reportedly took place, told ABC News that a misunderstanding due to language problems could have been the cause of the attack.

“The cause of the incident was some disagreement and allegation that he had misbehaved,” said local police chief Lokesh Jagalasar said.

“He is safe and sound. He’s recovered well. He is in the hospital.

“We have got in touch with the embassy. A case has been registered against those who assaulted him.

“We are trying to establish the facts whether it’s true or not that he misbehaved.”

Jagalasar said police are not sure how the man ended up in the particular village where he was beaten and said he had a ticket for a different location.

The department of foreign affairs and trade told Travel Weekly it stands ready to assist any Australian citizen, should they request it.

It is also being reported that there have been several mob attacks and murders in India’s rural areas due to a rumour spread on WhatsApp alleging foreigners were abducting local children.

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