Royston Park arrest investigation escalated to Commissioner’s Inquiry

The state’s top cop has called a Commissioner’s Inquiry into the arrest that has left a man fighting for his life.

South Australia’s top cop has revealed he has called a Commissioner’s Inquiry into the Royston Park incident where a man became unresponsive during a police arrest last week – and he still remains in hospital facing the “potential for an adverse outcome”.

It comes as the partner of Gaurav Kundi – who remains in a critical condition in Royal Adelaide Hospital after the incident – said Mr Kundi was injured when his head hit a police car and the road.

She said police had mistakenly believed he was assaulting her when, in fact, he had just been drunk.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he decided to launch the Commissioner’s Inquiry “late” on Monday to examine the surrounding factors of the Payneham Rd arrest.

“We do have Major Crime investigation branch and Internal Investigations conducting an investigation into the incident itself and late yesterday, I made the decision to call for a Commissioner’s Inquiry,” Mr Stevens said.

“It will examine our training, policy, procedures and practices, that came into effect during the course of that event and contributed to the police response.

“If there are opportunities for improvement – the Commissioner’s Inquiry will identify those.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens revealed he launched the Commissioner’s Inquiry “late” on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

In the case the man dies, it would be counted as a death in custody, which would automatically trigger a Commissioner’s Inquiry anyway.

“My brief has been that he is in a very serious condition,” he said.

“Obviously we hope the best for the individual but we need to be prepared for the situation that might result in him passing away.

“Given the significant injuries this man has suffered already and the potential for an adverse outcome – I’ve made the decision to conduct a Commissioner’s Inquiry now rather than wait.”

The man became unresponsive during a police arrest at Royston Park.

He was captured on CCTV before the arrest seeming to act erratically.

Police at the scene at Minicozzi shopping centre Payneham road. Pic Roy VanDerVegt

The Royston Park incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning last week, about 2.45am, on Payneham Rd.

Police said the 42-year-old man from Modbury North man resisted officers during the arrest following an alleged altercation between him and his partner. But he has not been charged.

However, Amritpal Kaur told 9 NEWS her partner, and father of two, Gaurav Kundi was just drunk and police were “wrong” in their assessment of the situation.

“I keep saying (to the police) he’s not well, he’s not well, please don’t do this, just call the ambulance,” she said.

“The policeman thinks he’s assaulting me and doing domestic violence on the road.

“But the policeman is wrong. He’s just drunk, that’s why he’s loud. Nothing else.”

Ms Kaur said Mr Kundi was still in hospital.

“Doctor is saying his brain is totally damaged,” she told 9 NEWS.

“Maybe he will wake up if brain works or maybe he will not.”

There were eight officers involved in the arrest, all of whom had their body-worn cameras turned on during the protracted incident.

All officers remain on active duty.

Originally published as Royston Park arrest investigation escalated to Commissioner’s Inquiry