Rome, 5 May (AKI) - A homeless Indian Sikh who was burnt and beaten in a savage attack in central Italy earlier this year is now out of danger, one of his doctors said on Tuesday. But Vito Verardi, a surgeon at Rome's St Eugenio hospital told Adnkronos International (AKI) that Navtej Singh Sidhu would require several more operations and is likely to be in hospital at least until mid-June.

"I think he is out of danger now. But he has problems with both of his legs," Verardi told AKI. "His fibia bones are protruding through the skin and he will require delicate cosmetic and orthopedic surgery."

Sidhu was admitted to St Eugenio's burns unit on 1 February with a fractured skull and burns to 40 percent of his body after three youths in the coastal town of Nettuno allegedly attacked him as he slept on a railway station bench.

He has already undergone 10 skin graft operations, but Verardi said Sidhu was in good spirits. "He has made many friends in the hospital," he said.

The attack against Sidhu has angered immigrants in Italy, and has drawn condemnation from the charities that work with them, as well as politicians.

Three youths have been arrested and charged with attempted murder over the attack in which Sidhu was beaten, sprayed in the face with metallic paint, and set alight.

The three, who had allegedly been drinking, claimed they had sought out "a bum" to whom the could "teach a lesson" and "experience powerful emotions."

Sidhu became homeless when he lost his job as a builder's labourer last year after his residency permit expired.

Since the attack Italian authorities have pledged to give Sidhu residency, as well as a job and accommodation when he leaves hospital.

Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno, the Indian ambassador to Italy, Arif Khan, and Italy's Senate speaker, Renato Schifani, and members of the Punjabi community have visited Sidhu in hospital.