The Consulate General of India in Melbourne has once again been targeted in an act of vandalism, with graffiti discovered at the front entrance of the diplomatic premises located at 344 St Kilda Road. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of April 10, around 1:00 am.
Victoria Police confirmed to The Australia Today that officers attended the site on the morning of April 10 following reports of graffiti on the building.
A police spokesperson stated,
“Officers believe the front entry of the building was graffitied overnight, sometime between Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April. An investigation into the damage remains ongoing.”
This act of vandalism has reignited concerns within the Indian-Australian community, which has expressed frustration over a growing pattern of targeted incidents involving Hindu temples and Indian government establishments across Melbourne.
Community leaders say repeated attacks on places of religious and cultural significance are deeply distressing and undermine social cohesion in Australia’s most multicultural state.
“It’s not just graffiti — it’s a message of intimidation aimed at our community,”
said a local Indian-Australian organiser who asked not to be named.
The Consulate General has previously been the site of similar provocations, with slogans defacing the premises in past years during periods of heightened international tension. No public statement has been issued by consulate officials at the time of writing, but sources within the Indian diaspora confirmed the matter has been raised with senior Victorian officials and the Indian High Commission in Canberra.
Police have not confirmed whether any suspects have been identified, nor whether security footage from the area is being reviewed. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au,”
the police spokesperson added.
In recent months, Victoria Police and the State Government have pledged to crack down on hate-based crimes and vandalism, particularly those targeting faith-based institutions. Premier Jacinta Allan’s government passed anti-vilification laws this year to strengthen penalties for acts motivated by hate or religious bias.
However, members of the Indian-Australian community continue to raise concerns over perceived slow responses and inconsistent enforcement, especially when compared to responses to similar incidents involving other communities.
“This is not about politics,” said one community member.
“It’s about safety, respect, and equal protection under the law.”
The investigation into the latest act of vandalism remains active. Police have not ruled out the possibility of coordinated activity or links to previous similar offences. As tensions simmer, many in Melbourne’s Indian community say they are watching closely — and waiting for action, not just words.
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