POLICE have released images of a vicious gang bashing of a foreign student in the latest attack of what is being dubbed 'Indian hunting'.

The footage shows victim Sourabh Sharma, 21, being beaten after being asked for a cigarette by a group of thugs who descended on him as he travelled alone along the Werribee line on May 9.

Transit safety division Detective Sen-Constable Craig Buttigieg said seven men aged between 15 and 20 boarded the train at Aircraft station, five of them soon approaching the lone student as he sat listening to the radio.

Moments later, after being refused a cigarrette, the attackers seem to enjoy the beating they hand out, although police still do not consider the attack racially motivated.

Det-Sen Constable Buttigieg said the thugs did abuse him while they kicked him to the head and ribs although their primary motivation was robbery.

"I think there was a mention where there was a comment similar to `why don't you go home?' but there was nothing more,'' he said.

"I think the motivation would have been robbery.

"They appear to take some delight in the actual assault.

"It's very disturbing and their propensity for violence is quite shocking.''

The youths took Mr Sharma's backpack, which contained $650 for his tuition and rent, along with his mobile phone.

He is unable to attend his tertiary course and has no means to support himself in a share house he rents with six others.

Mr Sharma was taken to the Mercy Hospital with a fractured cheek bone and had lost a tooth.

He also has significant swelling and bruising.

Mr Sharma was helped by a "couple of passengers'' who saw the attack, which rendered him unconscious, and got him medical attention at Werribee station.

These witnesses, and others who saw the beating, are being urged to come forward.

"He's still in a lot of pain. He's still suffering from his injuries and he's obviously quite disturbed by what's happened to him and is very frightened,'' Det-Sen Constable Buttigieg said.

Police are hopeful the offenders, clearly identifiable in the images, will result in some handing themselves in.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au