Incident Overview

A Hindu temple in Melbourne’s Boronia suburb was defaced with racist graffiti, marking a troubling incident of racial intolerance in Australia. The Swaminarayan Temple, a significant cultural and religious hub for Melbourne’s Indian community, was targeted with hateful slurs on July 21. The offensive message, “Go Home Brown C

t,” was also found on the walls of two nearby Asian-run restaurants, highlighting a broader pattern of racial hostility in the area.

Community Reaction

Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia, expressed profound dismay over the vandalism. He emphasized the temple’s role as a sanctuary for peace and unity, where daily prayers and cultural events foster community spirit among Melbourne’s Indian population. The defacement has deeply affected both volunteers and worshippers who view the temple as a cornerstone of their cultural and spiritual life.

Government Response

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, condemned the act as “hateful, racist and deeply disturbing.” She stressed that such actions are not mere vandalism but deliberate attempts to instill fear and division. Allan assured the community of her support and urged Victoria Police to thoroughly investigate the incidents. She also announced that Australia’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs would visit the temple to offer governmental support and engage directly with the affected community.

Police Investigation

The Australian police have launched an investigation into four linked incidents in Boronia, including the temple and two restaurants. Authorities are examining graffiti discovered at a healing center on Mountain Highway and at two restaurants on Boronia Road. The investigation aims to identify those responsible for these acts of hate and bring them to justice.

Community Strength** Despite the distressing nature of these events, Premier Allan commended the community for their resilience and dignity in speaking out against racism. She reaffirmed the value of their cultural contributions to Victoria’s diverse society and emphasized her commitment to building an inclusive future for all residents.