New Delhi:
Concerned over the recurring attacks on its nationals in Australia, India on Wednesday took up the issue with the Australian government and said additional measures should be put in place at the earliest to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
"We are concerned at the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia. The matter was taken up with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith by our High Commissioner in Canberra today who has also written to the premier of Victoria," External Affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters in New Delhi.
Following a lull in the attacks, three Indians were "brutally bashed" on September 12 by a group at a birthday party in a bar in Melbourne after facing racist remarks.
"As we take note of the assurances given, including from the highest levels of the government and provincial authorities of Australia, it is our earnest hope that the authorities concerned would take all necessary steps towards the safety and security of Indians in that country," Prakash said.
Hoping that the latest incident is investigated "with care and the culprits are dealt with", he said "it would also help, if various measures being contemplated by the Australian side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place at the earliest, to prevent recurrence of such incidents."
India has been informed that police arrested four persons who have since been released pending further investigations, he said.
Prakash said the Indian Consul General in Melbourne is in contact with authorities in Victoria including police. The officials are also in touch with family members of the victims who have been assured all assistance by the Consulate, he said.
One of the Indians, Sukhdip Singh, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment, Prakash said.
"We are concerned at the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia. The matter was taken up with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith by our High Commissioner in Canberra today who has also written to the premier of Victoria," External Affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters in New Delhi.
Following a lull in the attacks, three Indians were "brutally bashed" on September 12 by a group at a birthday party in a bar in Melbourne after facing racist remarks.
"As we take note of the assurances given, including from the highest levels of the government and provincial authorities of Australia, it is our earnest hope that the authorities concerned would take all necessary steps towards the safety and security of Indians in that country," Prakash said.
Hoping that the latest incident is investigated "with care and the culprits are dealt with", he said "it would also help, if various measures being contemplated by the Australian side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place at the earliest, to prevent recurrence of such incidents."
India has been informed that police arrested four persons who have since been released pending further investigations, he said.
Prakash said the Indian Consul General in Melbourne is in contact with authorities in Victoria including police. The officials are also in touch with family members of the victims who have been assured all assistance by the Consulate, he said.
One of the Indians, Sukhdip Singh, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment, Prakash said.
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