"Go home": Hindu temple vandalised, another hateful racist attack in Australia

A Hindu temple in Australia's Melbourne was defaced with racist graffiti, in what is believed to be a hate-motivated attack. A police investigation is underway. The act has drawn widespread condemnation from the Indian community. Asian operated businesses also faced a similar attack with offensive graffiti. 

According to The Brisbane Times and The Sydney Morning Herald, the Shree Swaminarayan temple on Wadhurst Drive had offensive red graffiti and racist slurs smothered all across, with words like "Go home". The nearby Asian operated restaurants, namely Kingsland Chinese Restaurant and Charles King Dumpling, were also found daubed. 

On the same night, a healing centre on Mountain Highway was defaced. With this, the total attacked sites count to four now. The authorities have confirmed that the attacks are linked and a proper investigation is being carried on. Victoria police said, "There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based and racist behavior." 

"An attack on our identity, and right to worship" 

After the attack, Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindi Council of Australia's Victoria Chapter, stated that the attack on the temple is "heartbreaking" and "devastating" for the community. He told Australia Today, "Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion, and unity. To have it targeted this way feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship, and freedom of religion."

Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, expressed her solidarity and support to the temple management. In a personal message, she wrote, "What happened this week was hateful, racist, and deeply disturbing. It wasn't just vandalism - it was a deliberate act of hate, designed to intimidate, isolate, and spread fear." 

The locally operating interfaith networks have also condemned and shown support after the attack. Community leader Vikrant Thakur, at the City of Greater Knox's Multifaith network, said, "We want to show that love and solidarity triumph over hatred." 

Second act of hate

The defacing of the Hindu temple and Asian businesses comes two days after a 23-year-old man was brutally attacked and severely injured in a racial assault. Charanjeet Singh was badly hit with metal knuckles and sharp objects after a minor parking dispute, and left unconscious on the street. 

A video that surfaced online showed the attackers saying, "F**k off Indian", while punching Singh. He has sustained severe injuries, including brain trauma and facial fractures. One of them was arrested; however other four accused remain at large.