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On Thursday, Australian police announced that they have arrested three men in connection with violent clashes that took place between pro-Khalistani supporters and Indian demonstrators in Melbourne at the end of January.
The Melbourne East Neighbourhood Policing Team made the arrests “in relation to an alleged affray” at Federation Square on January 29. With these latest arrests, the police have now rounded up a total of five suspects in connection with the incident.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities are seeking to identify and apprehend any further alleged offenders from that day.
According to Victoria Police, during the fight, flagpoles were allegedly used as weapons by several men, causing physical injuries to multiple victims. Two victims were treated at the scene by paramedics, while several others sustained injuries and required medical treatment.
Police said that they responded quickly to both incidents, separating and dispersing the crowd. OC spray (pepper spray) was used in the second incident as per the police statement.
The three men arrested this week include a 23-year-old man from Kalkallo who has been charged with affray and unlawful assault, a 39-year-old man from Strathtulloh, and a 36-year-old from Craigieburn, both charged with affray and violent disorder.
All three have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 8. Earlier this month, the Victoria Police had released images of six men seeking assistance from the public to identify them.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during his visit to India earlier in March, had stated that his country would not tolerate any extreme actions and attacks that took place in religious buildings and that there is no place for such action against Hindu temples.
He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed disturbances created by pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia, and Albanese assured that his government would take all necessary measures to ensure peace and harmony prevail.