A teenage boy accused of bashing a man at Birrarung Marr was part of a gang that picked on people of Indian appearance, a children's court has heard.

The boy, 17, who cannot be named, was arrested on New Year's Eve in relation to the attack on Manrajwinder Singh, 20, last Sunday.

Victim: Manrajwinder Singh.

Mr Singh remains in an induced coma in The Alfred hospital. He was attacked about 4.15am, near Princes Bridge, as he and two friends waited for a train. Mr Singh was now in a serious but stable condition, the court heard on Thursday.

One of Mr Singh's friends was also attacked when they were approached by a gang of eight youths, while another friend escaped to raise the alarm. Three teenagers have been arrested over the attack, but the other five are wanted for questioning.