An under-construction building on the premises of a Nanaksar Taath Gurdwara in Cranbourne, a suburb of Melbourne, was damaged in a fire that broke out on January 12.

 The gurdwara management believe the attack was racially motivated.

The management has expressed serious concerns over the growing incident of attack on places of worship.

 Master Darshan Singh from the gurudwara, said, “We are seriously concerned and worried. The situation is not improving. It’s the second attack on a Hindu place of worship in the recent weeks.”

 However, the Australian police investigating the case have ruled out a racial motive behind the attack.

 Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement said, “Our Consulate in Melbourne is in the process of ascertaining details from the Gurudwara Management Committee and also following up on the incident with Australian authorities. Some unidentified miscreants had set fire at the construction site, which is located at about 300 odd meters from the Nanaksar Taath Gurdwara”. 

No one was injured and no structural damage has been caused to the building.

 Talking to this newspaper, community leader Amarinder Bajwa said, “I have cross checked with the local people in Melbourne, the incident happened in the new building being built on the site. Some miscreants lit up the building material lying in the new building on fire. We need to raise a concerted voice and condemn this incident