India Addresses Vandalism Incident at Melbourne Consulate with Australian Officials
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The vandalism incident at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne has prompted the High Commission of India to engage with Australian authorities. Local reports indicate multiple instances of such acts, raising concerns among the Indian community in Australia about safety and security.
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism incident reported at Indian Consulate in Melbourne.
- High Commission of India in Canberra has raised concerns.
- Graffiti discovered at the front entrance of the consulate.
- Local authorities are investigating the incident.
- Strong protests have been lodged with the Australian government.
Melbourne, April 11 (NationPress) The vandalism incident at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne has been brought to the attention of Australian officials, as reported by the High Commission of India in Canberra on Friday.
"The vandalism incident at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne has been raised with Australian authorities. All necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian diplomatic and consular premises and personnel in the nation," the High Commission shared on X Friday evening.
Earlier in the day, local news outlets indicated that the Consulate General of India in Melbourne had once again fallen victim to an act of vandalism, with graffiti found at the main entrance of the diplomatic site located at 344 St Kilda Road. This incident reportedly took place in the early hours of April 10, around 1 am.
"Authorities believe the front entrance of the building was defaced overnight, sometime between Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th April. An inquiry into the damage is currently underway," Australia Today quoted a spokesperson from Victoria Police.
This is not the first instance of the Consulate General of India or Hindu temples in Melbourne being vandalized, frequently with anti-India graffiti. New Delhi has consistently lodged a robust protest with the Australian government, urging prompt action to hold the offenders accountable.
"It's not merely graffiti — it's a message of intimidation directed at our community," a local Indian-Australian expressed to Australia Today following the most recent act.
During the 2023 visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had voiced strong concern regarding the increasing incidents of vandalism and violence perpetrated by pro-Khalistani groups targeting the Indian community and temples in Australia.
Albanese had then reassured PM Modi that his administration possesses a "deep understanding" of India’s concerns and will implement all necessary actions to maintain peace and harmony within their society.
