New Delhi: Despite Australia’s claims that the recent attacks on Indians are not racist in nature, figures revealed by Melbourne Police Chief Commissioner show crimes against Indians have risen considerably in the past two years.
Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland has released figures that show there were 1,083 reported cases of robbery and assault against Indians in 2007-08.
That figure has jumped to 1,447 in 2008-2009.
The rise in hate crimes has been proportionate to the increase in number of Indian students in Australia.
There were around 20,000 Indians studying in Australia in 2007-08. That figure has more than doubled in the current financial year.
On Tuesday, another Indian student was reportedly attacked in Melbourne, taking the number of Indian victims to six in 22 days.
Australian universities have already warned that these attacks could scare off potential Indian students and the government has sent a team of police officers and professors to India on a six-day visit to create awareness among the student community there.
The issue has also taken a political turn in Australia with Opposition leaders missing no opportunity to lash out at Kevin Rudd.
“I think the message to the community is that such kind of offences won't be tolerated. We have been holding meetings with groups over substantial period of time,” Victorian Attorney General, Rob Hulls said.
“His govt has failed over years to take any action over this increasing problem,” said Victorian Opposition leader, Tad Ballieu.
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