Melbourne’s Little India Plans Spark Racism and Hope for Connection

The City of Melbourne has allocated $1.2 million to establish a “Little India” cultural precinct in the Docklands area, an announcement that has triggered a surge of racist commentary across social media platforms.

Following the announcement, posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X were flooded with hostile messages. One Facebook user claimed the initiative was part of an effort to “capture over Australia and take over our businesses and homes,” while another user on Instagram described the proposed precinct as “dirty, crowded, spitting and poor hygiene.” On X, one individual posted a call to “set the place on fire.”

The reaction has left members of the Indian community with conflicting views on the project. Bharat Kalyan and Mrinaal Datt expressed support for the plan, seeing it as a means of building connection. However, others have expressed fear that the precinct could turn into a physical target for hate.

Ashi, a 33-year-old resident of Melbourne, told the ABC that she avoided reading the social media comments due to the prevalence of “jokes” regarding curry and smell. She noted that the current social climate makes such initiatives risky, citing a personal experience during a rental property search where a landlord or agent told her to “get out” after she confirmed she was Indian.

Violence in Melbourne’s West

In a separate but contemporaneous development, a violent racist attack occurred in Point Cook, in the western suburbs of Melbourne. A group of approximately 12 Indian-Australian seniors, who regularly gather for walks and socializing at the Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre, reported being subjected to racial abuse over several days.

Rohit Singh, whose father is a member of the walking group, stated that a woman repeatedly approached the seniors with insults, telling them they “don’t belong here” and urging them to “go back to your country.” The situation escalated when the woman threw a bag of rubbish at the group before entering her vehicle and driving toward them.

Singh reported that the woman deliberately struck both him and his father with the car. He was seriously injured and transported to the hospital by ambulance. A video of the collision has since surfaced online.

Mr. Parmar, another member of the walking group, described the morning gatherings as essential spaces for friendship, language, and a sense of belonging, noting that the repeated harassment was deeply disturbing.

Victoria Police attended the scene, and a formal report has been filed. Although an off-duty police officer witnessed the attack, no arrests have been made.