Hindu temple defaced with racist graffiti

Canberra

A Hindu temple in Melbourne, Australia, was defaced with racist graffiti in a disturbing act of hate. The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia was spray-painted with abusive slurs, including phrases like "Go Home" and derogatory terms targeting skin colour. The same graffiti was found on two nearby Asian-run restaurants, raising alarm within local communities.

Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating four linked incidents that occurred on July 21 in the Boronia and Bayswater areas. Graffiti was found at a healing centre, the temple, and two restaurants, all defaced overnight. Authorities are treating the incidents as hate crimes.

Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia's Victoria chapter, expressed deep sadness. “Our temple is a place of peace and devotion. Seeing it defaced was heartbreaking,” he said.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attack, calling it “hateful, racist and deeply disturbing.” She assured the Hindu community that such actions have no place in Victoria and praised their strength and dignity in responding to the incident.

Meanwhile, in Adelaide, 23-year-old Indian student Charanpreet Singh was brutally attacked by a group of men wielding sharp weapons. A video shows five men exiting a car and assaulting him while yelling racial slurs. The attack, unprovoked, has sparked outrage online.

These incidents are part of a growing trend of racist attacks in Australia, including those targeting temples, Indian-origin people, and public institutions. Community leaders are urging stronger measures to counter hate and protect multicultural communities across the country.