Chess professional's alleged stalker goes on hunger strike

Key points

• Shumsheer Singh Ghumman, 47, has begun a hunger strike in prison and says he will continue until he suffers significant health issues. His lawyer told the Melbourne Magistrates Court that his client alleges he was assaulted by two inmates at Ravenhall Correctional Centre, and that the matter was reported without action.
• Ghumman, who has type-2 diabetes, complains of solitary confinement and restricted contact with family. He pleaded not guilty to 35 charges, including stalking a young chess professional, intimidation and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
• Police allege the stalking continued after an intervention order was obtained.