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Australia: Hindu temple defaced with racist graffiti, police launch investigation

A Hindu Temple in Melbourne was defaced with graffiti on Thursday. The incident left a deep impact on the Hindu community in the country, who were clearly outraged. Two Asian restaurants were also targeted by miscreants. The incident was condemned by Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan . She said that this incident was clearly ""hateful, racist and deeply disturbing".

The Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne
The Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne Credit:swaminarayan.melbourne
| Updated on: Jul 24, 2025 | 11:05 AM

New Delhi: In a shocking incident reported from Melbourne in Australia, a Hindu temple was reportedly defaced with racist slurs. Racist slurs were found spray painted on the temple walls in the city.The incident happened on July 21 at the Swaminarayan Temple in the city.

Restaurants also defaced

According to reports in the Australian media, similar racist messages also appeared on the walls of at least 2 Asian restaurants in the area. These were located in the Boronia suburb of Melbourne.

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The incident was confirmed by Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia. He was quoted in a report by NDTV as saying, "Seeing it (temple) vandalised with hateful words was heartbreaking for volunteers and worshippers alike."

He said that the incident was sad and this temple was revered by devotees. It is reportedly visited by Hindus from across Australia and hosts several cultural events and also organises community meals regularly. Bhagwat described the temple as a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity, where people come together to celebrate heritage and faith.

Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan also took note of the incident. She condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms, calling the defacement, "hateful, racist and deeply disturbing."

Allan urged the Victoria Police to take the matter seriously. She also said that the country's Minister for Multicultural Affairs will visit the temple soon and listen to the complaints of the community and offer governmental support.

The country's police meanwhile have started investigations into the 4 linked incidents of racist attacks. One is the attack on the temple and the other 2 the Asian restaurant attacks. The police said that the graffiti was spray painted on the front of a healing centre on the Mountain Highway overnight.

Graffiti was discovered on a temple located in Wadhurst Drive in Boronia and also on 2 restaurants located in Boronia Road, said officials.

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