'Oz noticed racial attacks on Indians 2 yrs ago'

Melbourne, Jan 20: After vehement denial by the Australian authorities that the attacks on Indians was racially motivated, Victoria police chief said on Wednesday, Jan 20, that crime on against Indians was an old problem which was noticed two years ago.

"We have known for two years that there has been this issue and we have been working away, at a number of levels around engaging with students, trying to make them understand the risks and how they keep themselves safe," Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said.

Overland in a media report said that while Indians figure the highest in the robbery statistics, the attacks have a racial element to it.

“There is no question, regardless of the motives, Indian students have to a degree been targeted in robberies and that is not okay. We recognised this problem a long time before it hit the public, " he said.

Overland said that the attacks were without a doubt, racially motivated.

“I have said from day one undoubtedly some of these attacks have a racist motive or there is racist elements to these attacks," he said.

He added that 50 percent of the assaults take place in the workplace, the most vulnerable to these attacks were taxi drivers and convenience store clerks.

Assuring safety to all immigrants, Overland said that he was committed to make the state safe for everyone, irrespective of the caste, color and occupation.

OneIndia New