Chess player's alleged stalker begins prison hunger strike

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 08:24 · Archive

A cafe owner accused of stalking a chess player has begun a hunger strike in a Melbourne prison.

Shumsheer Singh Ghumman, 47, began his hunger strike on Thursday after alleging he was assaulted by two inmates while on remand in Melbourne's west. His lawyer, Michael Pena Rees, told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday that Ghumman has type-2 diabetes but has refused food, saying the alleged assault was 'reported and nothing was done'. Ghumman has vowed to continue the strike until he suffers significant health issues.

Ghumman is accused of stalking a female chess professional aged in her 20s between April 2024 and May 2026, including after she obtained an intervention order against him in March 2025. He denies all 35 charges, which include stalking, intimidation, attempting to pervert the course of justice and possessing nunchucks. Police allege his actions twice coincided with the woman being detained briefly while travelling overseas.

Ghumman's lawyer complained that prison authorities are not complying with their own hunger strike policy. Ghumman has been placed in solitary confinement and released for only one hour a day in handcuffs. During his court appearance via video link, Ghumman said: 'The prison is not complying with their own policy on hunger strikes.' He also complained about access to clean clothes and contact with other people, particularly his father.

How it is being reported

• Chess pro's alleged stalker goes on hunger strikeA cafe owner accused of stalking a chess player is on a prison hunger strike after alleging guards failed to act when attacked by other inmates.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 08:13
• Chess pro's alleged stalker goes on hunger strikeA cafe owner accused of stalking a chess player is on a prison hunger strike after alleging guards failed to act when attacked by other inmates.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 08:13

In this story: Shumsheer Singh Ghumman · Michael Pena Rees · Ravenhall Correctional Centre · Melbourne Magistrates Court · Melbourne

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