ABOUT 75 people gathered for a candlelight vigil in Yarraville on Monday night to mourn the death of Indian student Nitin Garg, who was stabbed in Cruickshank Park on 2 January.

Police said the 21-year-old Newport resident left Yarraville railway station about 9.30pm on his way to work at a fast food outlet.

The Central Queensland University accounting student was stabbed in the stomach at the park but managed to stagger across Somerville Rd to his workplace, where he collapsed.

He later died after being taken to hospital.

Homicide detectives are appealing for information about the case, which has caused outraged headlines across India.

Police have said they do not yet know if the attack was motivated by racism, although it appears to not have been a robbery because Mr Garg’s mobile phone and wallet were left at the scene.

The tribute service, which was organised by Footscray Church of Christ member Cara Munro and Pastor Greg Gow, started at the Hungry Jack’s restaurant where Mr Garg had worked.

Police halted traffic on Somerville Rd as mourners crossed carrying candles and flowers and wearing signs that said ‘Indian students welcome in our country’.

Mr Garg’s housemates and friends, as well as Greens MLC Colleen Hartland, police officers and community members, gathered in a circle where the attack occurred.

Mr Garg’s housemate Parminder Singh thanked people for showing support.

He described his friend as “very generous and always helping people”.

He said Mr Garg had many friends in the area and up to 60 people had attended his birthday in September.

Mr Singh also said his friend had sustained cuts to his head after being bashed at the Newport train station in March last year.

Mr Garg’s co-worker, Jagandeep Singh, said everyone at the Hungry Jack’s had been shocked by the event as Mr Garg had been “good, helpful and intelligent.”

Police are appealing for anyone who might have information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

They would like to speak to a person wearing a light coloured top, who caught a taxi around 9.50pm outside a newsagency opposite the Hungry Jack’s on the night of the stabbing, as they could know crucial information about the incident.