Vandalism at Indian Consulate in Melbourne: Red paint marks on main gate; provocative slogans found earlier too
PTC Web Desk: In yet another alarming incident, the Indian Consulate in Melbourne was vandalised, marking a repeated attack on Indian diplomatic establishments in Australia. According to a report by Australia Today, the incident occurred around 1 am on Thursday night, when red-coloured markings were discovered on the main gate of the consulate.
Following the incident, the High Commission of India in Canberra raised the matter with Australian authorities, demanding immediate action. Notably, this consulate has earlier been the site of similar provocative acts, including graffiti and inflammatory slogans during times of international tension.
A spokesperson for the Victoria Police stated, "We believe the markings were made on the building’s main gate sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. An investigation into the damage is currently underway."
The authorities have not yet identified any suspects and have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.
Indian High Commission’s Official Statement
In a statement released on Friday via X (formerly Twitter), the Indian High Commission said: "The disrespectful act by miscreants on the walls of the Indian Consulate in Melbourne has been taken up with Australian authorities. Necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic and consular premises, as well as the staff in Australia."
The incident has sparked fresh concerns among the Indian-Australian community, who expressed that Indian government buildings and Hindu temples are being systematically targeted.
This attack echoes a series of similar incidents reported in 2023, when multiple Hindu temples across Australia were vandalised. For instance, in Brisbane, the Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple was damaged, and its walls were defaced with pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans. Earlier in Melbourne’s Victoria area, another Hindu temple was attacked with similar Khalistani graffiti.
The Indian community in Australia, along with Indian diplomats, continues to demand stricter security measures and swift action against those promoting hate and fear.
- With inputs from agencies
