A Tragedy, In More Ways Than One

With the recent murder of toddler Gurshan Singh (an Indian national on holiday with his parents) in Melbourne, there was alot of shock and outrage. The shockwaves were felt, not only here in Melbourne, but in India too. People are right to be outraged: The murder of anyone is abhorrent, but the murder of a child is much more impactful.

There has been alot of press of late regarding not only about this attack, but many attacks on Indian nationals in Australia, and Melbourne in particular. There have been many bashings, and stabbings of Indian students, and taxi drivers living in Melbourne. This press has lead to, in the eyes of India, the perception that Australians are racist. That these people were attacked because of racial reasons. While I do believe that Melbourne is getting more violent, I don't believe that we are all racists. Of course, there will always be an element of racism, but I would think that these idiots only make up a tiny fraction of the people in this city.

I would think that these victims may do things that increase the risk of danger. Would I walk the streets alone at night? No. Would I catch a train alone at night? No. Would I bring a laptop computer on the train at night? No. I am not an expert (am only offering my opinion), but I would think that these attacks are more about opportunity, rather than race. These idiots probably don't see an Indian person, they see a laptop, or a person on their own, and see an opportunity to rob someone & steal a laptop, or a mobile phone. These people are scum, and we would love these people locked up, so we can all feel safe.

Now, with alot of tension between India and Australia already being there, this horrible attack on young Gurshan has inflamed things even more. There is so much negative press, and threats of boycotting Australia altogether (in both Tourism and the lucrative 'International student' industry). Things are really getting out of hand.

Victoria Police have tonight, arrested a man suspected of this horrible murder. He is one of the people who was sharing a house with Gurshan's parents. The man charged over this death, is Dhillon Gursewak. It is not yet clear if Gursewak is an Indian National, an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

What is clear however, is that Mr. Gursewak is not the 'Australian racist' that many in India had in mind. Not everything is as it first appears to be. It is very easy for people to jump to conclusions, and I hope both India and Australia are ernest in their attempts to mend the political bridges.

May Gurshan rest in peace.