Karnal (Haryana), Apr 30 (ANI): Family members of Indian born driver Jalvinder Singh, who was stabbed in Melbourne on Tuesday, have appealed for prompt punishment to the accused.

A 45-year old passenger stabbed the 23- year-old Jalvinder, who is a student and was working as a part time cab driver.

Jalvinder is in hospital in serious condition, but doctors attending to him said he was stable.

The incident caused panic among his family members living in Karnal, Haryana, and they have appealed to the Australian Government to book the accused at the earliest.

"I want to appeal to the government that the strictest possible punishment should be awarded to the accused. The Australian Government should take care of my ailing brother so that he doesn't feel our absence," said Ravinder Singh, the victim's elder brother.

His mother Dayawanti is now keen to get her son back.

"If I think from a mother's point of view, then I want to call him back. But if I consider his desires, then he should stay there. So, I am in two minds. It is better that he comes here for a while and gets healthy, and then leaves," said Dayawanti.

Singh had gone to Australia, 10 months ago on a student visa.

Victorian Police have arrested Parish Charles and charged him with attempted murder. He has been remanded to custody till July 23.

The incident sparked off protests by 'cabbies' in Melbourne, who blocked a central intersection in the city on Wednesday before the Government of Victoria caved into their demands for improved safety measures. (ANI)