India raises defacing incident at Melbourne Consulate with Australian authorities

IANS April 11, 2025 145 views

The Indian High Commission has formally raised the latest vandalism incident at its Melbourne Consulate with Australian authorities, marking another troubling breach of diplomatic premises. Local police are investigating the early morning graffiti attack that occurred on April 10th at the consulate's St Kilda Road location. This incident follows a pattern of repeated targeted attacks against Indian diplomatic buildings and community spaces in Australia. The diplomatic tension underscores the need for robust security measures and swift action to protect diplomatic missions and ensure community safety.

"It's not just graffiti — it's a message of intimidation aimed at our community" - Local Indian-Australian
Melbourne, April 11: The incident of defacing at the premises of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne by miscreants has been raised with Australian authorities, the High Commission of India in Canberra stated on Friday.

Key Points

1

India seeks action against repeated vandalism of consulate premises

2

Victoria Police investigating early morning graffiti attack

3

Modi raised concerns during Albanese's 2023 India visit

4

Diplomatic tensions heighten over targeted incidents

"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," the High Commission posted on X Friday evening.

Earlier in the day, local media reported that the Consulate General of India in Melbourne has once again been targeted in an act of vandalism, with graffiti discovered at the front entrance of the diplomatic premises located at 344 St Kilda Road. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of April 10, around 1 am.

"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," Australia Today quoted a Victoria Police spokesperson as saying.

This is not the first time that the Consulate General of India or Hindu temples in Melbourne have been defaced, most of the time with anti-India graffiti. New Delhi has repeatedly registered a strong protest with the Australian government asking it to take swift action and bring the perpetrators to the book.

"It's not just graffiti — it's a message of intimidation aimed at our community," a local Indian-Australian told Australia Today after the latest incident.

In 2023, during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's State Visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed strong concern on the growing incidents of vandalism and violence by pro-Khalistani outfits that targetted the Indian community and temples in Australia.

Albanese had then assured PM Modi that his government has a "deep understanding" and appreciation of India's concern and will be taking all necessary measures to ensure that peace and harmony prevail in their society.

Reader Comments

A
Anjali P.
This is so disappointing to see happening again. As an Indian living in Melbourne, it makes me feel unsafe. Glad the authorities are taking it seriously though. 🇮🇳
M
Michael T.
While I condemn the vandalism, I wonder if the article could provide more context about why these incidents keep happening. Understanding the root causes might help prevent future occurrences.
R
Rajiv K.
Enough is enough! The Australian government needs to take stronger action. This isn't just property damage - it's targeted harassment of our community. 😡
S
Sarah L.
As an Australian, I'm embarrassed this keeps happening. Our multicultural society is one of our greatest strengths. Whoever did this doesn't represent our values.
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Priya M.
The timing of this incident is concerning. With elections coming up in India, I hope this isn't part of a larger pattern of increased tensions abroad.
D
David W.
The article mentions security measures - I hope they include better surveillance cameras. These vandals need to be identified and held accountable.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
India-Australia Diplomacy Melbourne Consulate Vandalism Diplomatic Security Narendra Modi Anthony Albanese
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