<p>A 25-year-old Indian-origin trainee teacher in New Zealand died today after being punched outside a fast food outlet in central Auckland.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Tarun Asthana, who was on life support in hospital since he was assaulted on Saturday morning, died in Auckland City Hospital today, police said.<br /><br />He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death, local media reported quoting police officials.<br /><br />Asthana was returning from a night of clubbing with friends when he was punched.<br /><br />The offender had allegedly approached Asthana after a woman got upset when he complimented her on her dress.<br /><br />Asthana was knocked to the ground by a single punch and lost consciousness after his head struck the pavement outside a McDonald's in downtown Queen St, the reports said.<br /><br />He was rushed to hospital and placed on life support. He, however, succumbed to his injuries.<br /><br />Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Florence yesterday said the attacker had been in McDonald's with several other men and women and the group had left straight after the attack.<br /><br />Police yesterday arrested 27-year-old Grenville MacFarland and charged him with assaulting Asthana. He was produced today in the Auckland District Court. His charge has not yet been updated to reflect Asthana's death.<br /><br />MacFarland has been remanded on bail until November 15.<br /><br />Inquiries were continuing and police were seeking any information from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the assault.<br /><br />Sam Matthews, a friend of Asthana, said he was the "most nice, peaceful guy out".<br /><br />Asthana was training to become a primary school teacher at the University of Auckland. He worked in hospitality part-time.<br /><br />His former employer at The Falls Restaurant, where he served front of house, said Asthana was a "kind, loyal, fun- loving guy. He was always respectful and nice to be around."<br /><br />McFarland could face more serious charges, according to local police.<br /><br />His lawyer John Corby raised objection to media reports of describing the attack as a "brutal assault", saying that was not a fair description.<br /><br />McFarland did not enter a plea and was remanded on bail until November 15. Bail was not opposed by police.<br /><br />The judge imposed very strict bail conditions, but said they did not need to be read in open court, the reports said.<br /><br />A statement issued by Royal New Zealand Navy confirmed McFarland's appearance at the Auckland District Court.<br /><br />"The Navy is supporting the New Zealand police in the conduct of their investigation. No further comment will be made while the matter is before the courts," it said.</p>
<p>A 25-year-old Indian-origin trainee teacher in New Zealand died today after being punched outside a fast food outlet in central Auckland.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Tarun Asthana, who was on life support in hospital since he was assaulted on Saturday morning, died in Auckland City Hospital today, police said.<br /><br />He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death, local media reported quoting police officials.<br /><br />Asthana was returning from a night of clubbing with friends when he was punched.<br /><br />The offender had allegedly approached Asthana after a woman got upset when he complimented her on her dress.<br /><br />Asthana was knocked to the ground by a single punch and lost consciousness after his head struck the pavement outside a McDonald's in downtown Queen St, the reports said.<br /><br />He was rushed to hospital and placed on life support. He, however, succumbed to his injuries.<br /><br />Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Florence yesterday said the attacker had been in McDonald's with several other men and women and the group had left straight after the attack.<br /><br />Police yesterday arrested 27-year-old Grenville MacFarland and charged him with assaulting Asthana. He was produced today in the Auckland District Court. His charge has not yet been updated to reflect Asthana's death.<br /><br />MacFarland has been remanded on bail until November 15.<br /><br />Inquiries were continuing and police were seeking any information from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the assault.<br /><br />Sam Matthews, a friend of Asthana, said he was the "most nice, peaceful guy out".<br /><br />Asthana was training to become a primary school teacher at the University of Auckland. He worked in hospitality part-time.<br /><br />His former employer at The Falls Restaurant, where he served front of house, said Asthana was a "kind, loyal, fun- loving guy. He was always respectful and nice to be around."<br /><br />McFarland could face more serious charges, according to local police.<br /><br />His lawyer John Corby raised objection to media reports of describing the attack as a "brutal assault", saying that was not a fair description.<br /><br />McFarland did not enter a plea and was remanded on bail until November 15. Bail was not opposed by police.<br /><br />The judge imposed very strict bail conditions, but said they did not need to be read in open court, the reports said.<br /><br />A statement issued by Royal New Zealand Navy confirmed McFarland's appearance at the Auckland District Court.<br /><br />"The Navy is supporting the New Zealand police in the conduct of their investigation. No further comment will be made while the matter is before the courts," it said.</p>