Racist Graffiti Attack on Hindu Temple and Restaurants in Melbourne Sparks Outrage

Racist Vandalism Shocks Melbourne Community

Melbourne: A Hindu temple along with two Asian-owned eateries in Melbourne has been vandalized with racist graffiti, raising alarm among local community members, according to a recent report.

The Shree Swaminarayan Temple, situated on Wadhurst Drive in Boronia, a suburb in Melbourne's east, was targeted with red-painted racial slurs on Monday morning, as reported by an Australian news portal.

On the same day, two restaurants located further down Boronia Road were also found defaced with identical slurs.

Victoria Police have acknowledged the incident, stating, "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based and racist behaviour."

Expressing his dismay, Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia in Victoria, remarked that it feels like an assault on their identity, religious freedom, and right to worship.

In a private communication to the temple's management, Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attack as "hateful" and "racist."

She described the incident as not merely vandalism but a calculated act of hatred aimed at instilling fear and isolation.

In light of the attack, the Hindu community has called for solidarity from interfaith organizations.

This incident underscores a troubling trend of increasing hate crimes in Melbourne.