Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, Apr 11: In a troubling repeat of past incidents, the Consulate General of India in Melbourne was once again targeted by miscreants in the early hours of April 10, prompting India to raise the matter strongly with Australian authorities.
The High Commission of India in Canberra confirmed the development on Friday evening, stating in a post on social media platform X: "The incident of defacing at the premises of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne by miscreants has been raised with Australian authorities. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure safety and security of Indian diplomatic and consular premises and personnel in the country."
According to local reports, graffiti was found at the entrance of the Indian consulate located on 344 St Kilda Road, with the act of vandalism believed to have occurred around 1 am on April 10. Victoria Police confirmed the incident, with a spokesperson saying, "Officers believe the front entry of the building was graffitied overnight, sometime between Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th April. An investigation into the damage remains ongoing."
This is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Hindu temples and Indian diplomatic missions across Melbourne have been defaced multiple times, often with anti-India graffiti allegedly linked to pro-Khalistani elements.
A local Indian-Australian community member, speaking to Australia Today, said, “It’s not just graffiti it’s a message of intimidation aimed at our community.”
The Indian government has consistently raised concerns with the Australian government over these acts, demanding firm action and accountability. During Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had specifically flagged the surge in vandalism and targeted attacks against Indian temples and institutions by extremist outfits.
Albanese had responded by assuring that his government had a ‘deep understanding’ of India’s concerns and pledged to take all necessary measures to protect peace and harmony in Australian society.
With the latest incident, the Indian diaspora in Australia has once again called for stronger surveillance, accountability, and a zero-tolerance approach to hate-driven vandalism.