Indian-origin couple recounts moments as Sydney stabbings unfolded

An Indian-origin couple found themselves in the middle of the chaos that ensued during the Sydney stabbings. Notably, a man went on a stabbing spree at a bustling Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney killing six.

Indian couple, Shoi Ghoshal and her husband, Debashis Chakrabarty, recounted their harrowing experience in a conversation with a Western media outlet. The duo detailed to BBC how they sought refuge in a backroom in a bid to fortify themselves with cardboard boxes alongside dozens of others.

Ghoshal also described the initial confusion within the store. She said that there were sounds of commotion leading to the realisation of a grave threat. But they thought it was a fire at the shopping hub.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

But she recalled “people were saying someone is stabbing rampantly”. “We went into a backroom, a storeroom, and used boxes to barricade ourselves in,” she added.

As per Ghoshal, there were about 20 to 25 people who were seeking cover at the storeroom. As they huddled together, Ghoshal recounted the anguish of an elderly woman separated from her husband outside.

Amid distress, the group maintained contact with authorities. Later, they received instructions to remain calm and await rescue. They were eventually evacuated through the emergency exit. Upon their exit, they saw many police cars positioned there.

Also Read |China's top legislator meets Kim Jong Un, says Beijing willing to deepen trust

Reflecting on their ordeal, Ghoshal expressed gratitude for their safety while also pointing out at the profound impact on those who lost loved ones.

“It was just beyond horrible. It plays on your mind that you could have been one of the victims. We are grateful we are safe and our thoughts are with those who have suffered. It is terrible for their families,” she told the outlet.

The country is in shock over the incident.

Also Read |Italian PM Giorgia Meloni vows to crack down on ‘inhuman’ practice of surrogacy

Five victims, including four women and a man, succumbed to their injuries on-site, while a woman later died at the hospital where she had been rushed. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Watch |Sydney attack: Six killed in knife attack at mall, attackers shot dead by cops

A nine-month-old infant underwent surgery following the assault during a stabbing rampage carried out by a lone assailant at a Sydney shopping centre.

Sydney stabbings suspect

Authorities identified the suspect as a 40-year-old man. However, it is still unclear what was the reason for the act. The swift response of a senior female officer, hailed as a hero by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ended the rampage, with the suspect fatally shot before hecould inflict any further harm. With assurances of no ongoing public threat given by authorities, they are inquiring into the tragic events that shook Sydney.

"I have been briefed by the AFP on the devastating events at Bondi Junction. Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to those injured and we offer our thanks to those caring for them as well as our brave police and first responders," Australian PM wrote in a post.

(With inputs from agencies)