Akram, who is facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, spoke only twice during the hearing. When Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund asked if he understood that the suppression orders had been extended, he replied, “Yeah.” Later, when informed that his solicitor would contact him after the hearing, he responded with a brief “Yep.”

His lawyer, Legal Aid solicitor Ben Archbold, sought additional time to confer with his client. Speaking outside court, Archbold confirmed he had visited Akram at Goulburn’s supermax prison, where the accused is currently being held under strict security conditions.

“Everyone knows the supermax facility has very onerous conditions, and that is where individuals accused of crimes of this magnitude are housed,” Archbold said.

He indicated that it was too early to determine what plea Akram might enter, noting that prosecutors are yet to provide the brief of evidence. Archbold also stated that his client has not participated in a formal police interview so far, although preliminary processes have begun. The matter is expected to remain before the courts until at least 2027.

Archbold defended his professional role amid public scrutiny. “He’s a client who requires representation. Personal views cannot interfere with professional obligations,” he said.

The Bondi Beach attack

The December 14, 2025 attack at Bondi Beach has been described as one of Australia’s deadliest terror incidents in recent history. According to investigators, Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration event known as “Chanukah by the Sea” at Archer Park. At least 15 people were killed and more than 40 others injured in the shooting.

The police shot dead Sajid Akram, 50, at the scene during an exchange of gunfire. Naveed was wounded and taken into custody after receiving medical treatment.

Media reports suggest the accused had access to multiple firearms, including rifles and shotguns, allegedly obtained through Sajid’s gun licence. Authorities are also examining reports that the pair attempted to use improvised explosive devices before opening fire, though the devices reportedly failed to explode.

Throughout Monday’s brief proceedings, Naveed Akram remained largely silent. The case is expected to return to court in April as investigations and pre-trial procedures continue.

According to authorities, the incident began in Lake Cargelligo, located in the Central West region of NSW, where the gunman allegedly shot and killed a woman believed to be his ex-girlfriend and a man who was inside a car. He later opened fire at another location in the same town, targeting two more persons reportedly known to him. One woman died on the spot, while a man sustained critical injuries and remains under medical care.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, which lies more than 600 km west of Sydney, after receiving reports of multiple shootings. Police issued warnings urging residents to remain indoors and advised the public to avoid the area as the operation to locate the suspect continues.

Local MP Roy Butler described the episode as a “deeply distressing situation,” adding that details were still emerging. “At this stage, information is limited. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” he said in comments to Australian media.

Media reports, including those from The Sydney Morning Herald, suggested the suspect may still be hiding within the town and is believed to be armed with a long-range firearm.

The latest shooting comes just weeks after a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where two gunmen killed 15 persons in what authorities termed the country’s worst mass shooting in decades.

Following that attack, Australia introduced tougher firearm regulations, including a nationwide gun buyback programme and stricter background checks for licence applicants. NSW has also rolled out additional measures, capping gun ownership at four firearms per person and requiring licence holders to be active members of gun clubs.

The attack took place during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday, when Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire using rifles, killing 15 persons on the spot. Sajid was later killed during a confrontation with the Australian police, taking the death toll to 16. Naveed sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalised under police guard.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, calling it a targeted assault against Jewish Australians and describing it as an act of antisemitism and terrorism that has shaken the nation.

According to the Telangana police, preliminary findings suggest that the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son does not appear to be linked to India or influenced by any local factors in Telangana. Officials added that Indian police records show no criminal or extremist history associated with Sajid before he left the country.

Indian authorities have said they are prepared to cooperate fully with Australian federal agencies.

Earlier, the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Sajid Akram, an Indian national and Australian resident, had travelled to the Philippines with his son in November. Officials stated that both entered the country from Sydney, listed Davao as their destination and returned to Australia later that month.

The Bondi Beach shooting is being described as one of the deadliest terror-related incidents in Australia in recent years.

CNN reported that authorities in the Philippines have confirmed that the suspect, Sajid Akram, travelled to the country with his son, Naveed, on November 1. During the trip, Sajid reportedly used an Indian passport, while his son entered the Philippines on an Australian passport. Investigators believe the father-son duo spent nearly a month planning the attack before returning to Australia.

Philippines Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval told CNN that Sajid Akram was residing in Australia but remained an Indian citizen, as evidenced by his Indian passport used for international travel. Officials further revealed that the two had visited Davao City in the southern Philippines, located on the island of Mindanao. The region has long been associated with Islamist militant groups and insurgent movements.

Security agencies suspect a possible connection with the Islamic State (ISIS) after two ISIS flags were recovered from the attackers’ vehicle. CNN also stated that it had sought a response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the claims, but no official comment had been received so far.

The terror attack left at least 15 persons dead and over 40 injured. One of the attackers was also killed during the incident. Among the injured were three Indian students, with at least two of them currently undergoing treatment in hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said preliminary findings suggest that the attackers were influenced by extremist ISIS ideology. Speaking at a Jewish community event in Sydney, Albanese acknowledged that radical interpretations of Islam continue to pose a serious global security challenge.

The police revealed that the 50-year-old suspect, Sajid Akram, used a licensed firearm during the attack. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that Akram was a registered gun club member and legally owned six firearms under state law. Authorities said the father and son had told family members they were going fishing before carrying out the attack.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Albanese visited St George Hospital and met Ahmed Al Ahmed, who has been hailed as an Australian hero. Unarmed, Ahmed confronted the attacker, ambushed him from behind, and wrested the rifle away, allowing several people to escape. The Prime Minister praised his bravery, calling him a “true Australian hero.”

At the time of the shooting, members of the Jewish community were celebrating the Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach. In the aftermath of the attack, Hanukkah celebrations scheduled in Melbourne were cancelled, and security was tightened at religious sites across Australia.

According to information, the ceremony was attended by Albanese’s son, Nathan, and Haydon’s parents, Bill and Pauline. Soon after the vows were exchanged, the Prime Minister released a video of the couple walking down the aisle, marking the special moment.

Married????❤️???? pic.twitter.com/mSzojtBF2I

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 29, 2025

The celebration came just a day after the Australian Parliament wrapped up its final sitting for 2025, and six months after Albanese’s re-election. The guest list included senior ministers such as Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, ALP National Secretary Paul Erickson, and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Tim Gartrell.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds walked out to Stevie Wonder’s classic, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”, and shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Albanese and Haydon first met more than five years ago at a public event in Melbourne. The Prime Minister proposed on Valentine’s Day in 2024 at The Lodge balcony, presenting Haydon with a custom-made engagement ring. Over the years, Haydon has accompanied him to official engagements, overseas visits and election campaigns, and she currently serves as the chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.

Albanese was earlier married to Carmel Tebbutt, former NSW Deputy Premier. The two parted ways in 2019 after nearly two decades together.

Speaking to The Australia Today, the minister responded to a series of social media posts and comments targeting Diljit Dosanjh’s ethnicity and faith, stressing that such hate has no place in the country.

“Racial discrimination has no place in Australia, and visitors who respect our laws should always feel welcome,” Hill stated. “Unfortunately, people in the public eye often face vile forms of online abuse , whether it’s based on race, gender, religion, or identity.”

Expressing regret over the hateful remarks directed at the Punjabi star, Hill said: “Nobody should be discriminated against for who they are, and I’m sorry that Diljit has had to endure such nonsense from a small group of ignorant people.”

The minister went on to praise Dosanjh for handling the situation with grace and maturity. “The positive and educational way in which Diljit Dosanjh has responded to racist comments online deserves admiration and respect. It’s very clear who the bigger person is here. We’re glad to have him in Australia and we welcome him wholeheartedly,” Hill said.

Meanwhile, Dosanjh’s concerts in Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities continue to draw massive crowds, as fans celebrate one of Punjabi music’s most influential global ambassadors. 

The proposal would require social media companies to take measures to prevent people under the age of 16 from using sites like X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Failure to comply will result in fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).

Australia is at the forefront of attempts to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be one of the world's strictest measures aimed at children.

Details on how social media companies are likely to enforce the prohibition are unclear.

The new regulations would also include strong privacy measures requiring digital platforms to erase any age-verification information they acquire.

Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications, stated Thursday that social media companies were responsible for Australians' "safety and mental health".

"The legislation places the onus on social media platforms, not parents or children, to ensure protections are in place," she clarified.

Some companies will be exempt from the prohibition, such as YouTube, which minors may need to use for schoolwork or other purposes.

Rowland stated that messaging services (such as WhatsApp) and online gaming will be exempt.

The Melbourne car crash, which occurred at Royal Daylesford Hotel on November 5, led to the death of Vivek Bhatia (38), his son Vihan (11), Pratibha Sharma (44), her daughter Anvi (9), and her husband Jatin Kumar (30). Bhatia's wife, Ruchi, and younger son, Abir, sustained injuries and were later discharged after receiving treatment.

William Swale, who has had Type 1 diabetes for 30 years, faces charges, including five counts of culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and seven counts of reckless conduct endangering life, as per Australia's ABC News.

Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis informed the Melbourne Magistrates' Court that Swale had scanned his blood glucose monitoring device at 5:17 pm, approximately 40 minutes before the crash, revealing a glucose level of 2.9 millimoles per litre of blood, considered below a safe threshold.

It was stated that Swale had received and disregarded eight mobile phone alerts from a blood glucose monitoring app before the car crash. Surveillance footage showed him entering a wine bar and returning to his vehicle shortly before driving it at various times, culminating in the loss of control of his BMW at 6:07 pm.

The car veered off Albert Street, striking diners seated in the pub's outdoor area. Romanis mentioned that witnesses described Swale as "sweaty," "hot," and "clammy" after the collision.

Swale's lawyer defended his client, stating a plea of not guilty, arguing that the incident was a result of a "medical episode." The court remanded Swale in custody until Friday, pending a bail decision by Magistrate Brett Sonnet. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings will continue.

The emotional announcement came after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly praised Dix for his critical role in the miraculous rescue mission.

After the Australian PM spoke words of appreciation for him at the Australian Parliament. Dix took to X and said,  "Thank you Anthony Albanese, my Prime Minister, for your kind words on my small role in the miracle rescue of my 41 adopted Indian sons in India."

Professor Dix's extraordinary contributions to the successful rescue of 41 construction workers trapped in a collapsed mountain tunnel in India's Uttarakhand state were lauded by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday.

Albanese praised Professor Dix, the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, for his expertise in dealing with such critical situations.

"I rise to acknowledge a truly great Australian, Professor Arnold Dix, and for what he has done in once again improving the relations between Australia and our great friends in India. Today, because of him and his hard work alongside the Indian authorities, 41 people are alive, safe and free. This is an extraordinary story. For over two weeks, the world has been gripped by these 41 construction workers trapped in a collapsed mountain tunnel in northern India," Albanese added.

The Australian Prime Minister emphasised the meticulous and perilous nature of the rescue operation, quoting Professor Dix's assertion that a wrong move could have had disastrous consequences for everyone involved. "As we know only too well, that's the sort of story that often ends in tragedy. But it didn't. And that's where Professor Dix comes in."

"These 41 lives have been saved, families have been reunited, and our friends in India are quite rightly rejoicing. And so to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I say I'm very pleased that an Australian was able to come to India's aid at this time," the Australian PM added.

In a dreadful, distressing and spine-chilling incident, an Indian-origin student assaulted in Australia is currently battling with life, continues to be in serious condition and suffered severe neurological impairment after he was assaulted in Australia. 

The Indian student is in his 20s and is pursuing a master's degree at the University of Tasmania remains in medically induced coma. 

Young Indian youth was assaulted on November 5 at a Tasmanian district which caused 'extradural bleeding' resulted in shifting in position of victims brain. 

As per the reports, it is to be noted that victim’s right lung collapsed and he underwent a brain surgery after which he went to coma. 

After the attack on Indian student, the authorities promptly apprehended the assailant and charged him with criminal assault. 

A 25-year-old Lenah Valley resident, Benjamin Dodge Collings was taken into the police custody after the incident and was charged with criminal code assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison.

Collings was granted magistrate bail and is due back in court on December 4 to answer the charges, which include assault, providing a false address and name, resisting a police officer, and unrelated driving offences.

Youth’s family also faces a harrowing journey fraught with uncertainty and hefty medical bills.

In the recent times, dreams of Indian youth pursuing education in foreign shores is turning into nightmares, with many grappling with mental health issues, robbery and murder cases and Indians are tragically losing their lives shortly after arriving abroad. 

Several cases of deaths of Indian youths abroad have created a state of panic back home in India. Now parents are either not willing to send their children abroad or whose wards are already settled there are in a state of anxiety and panic. 

The atmosphere was marked by reverence as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was ceremoniously installed in the Parliament hall. Following this, prayers, including Rehras Sahib path, devotional singing (kirtan), and an ardas were conducted.

Hon Russell Wortley expressed his deep respect, stating, "It's an honour to commemorate Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Purb in our Parliament. This celebration not only recognises the contributions of the Sikh community to our society, but also fosters harmony and understanding among diverse cultures in South Australia."

Member of Parliament Hon Dana Wortley echoed these sentiments, saying, "Events like these are essential as they promote inclusivity and understanding among different communities. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings of equality, compassion, and service resonate profoundly in today's world."

Daljeet Singh, a prominent member of the South Australian Sikh community, shared, "The gesture of hosting Parkash Purb celebration in Parliament of South Australia is immensely heartening. It signifies the respect and acceptance of our traditions and values within the wider community."

The event marked a beautiful amalgamation of spiritual reverence and cultural celebration, illustrating the unity and respect among diverse communities in South Australia. 

"Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Purab in the heart of Australia's governance is a momentous occasion, symbolising the acceptance and respect for Sikh values within our multicultural society," said a member of the Sikh community in Australia.

Another devotee said, "The gesture of hosting Parkash Purab at Australia Parliament echoes the essence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings — inclusivity, equality, and harmony among all beings." 

The MV-22B Osprey aircraft was carrying 23 Marines. Three personnel were killed, and five others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in critical condition, according to a statement issued by the Marine Rotational Force — Darwin on Sunday.

The incident occurred at 9:30 a.m. (local time) on Melville Island in Australia.

“The Marines aboard the aircraft were flying in support of Exercise Predators Run. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” CNN quoted the statement. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Natasha Fyles, the Northern Territory's Chief Minister, had earlier stated that some of the other Marines were being treated on the site.

“We are working incredibly hard and as fast as we can to make sure we can get people to treatment,” Fyles said.

The crash was termed as a "regrettable incident" by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, according to ABC News.

"Our focus as a government and as the Department of Defence is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time," Albanese said, ABC News reported.

The PM went on to say that the government would release another statement later on Sunday. "We will provide more information when it is appropriate," he said.

"We obviously want to make sure that any information that is provided is absolutely accurate, we're also very much focused on providing that practical assistance on the ground."

"We do follow protocols at a time like this and the Australian Defence Force is cooperating with our friends in the United States Defence Force to make sure that we provide every assistance possible,” he further said.

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While Moss's heart races audibly in the video's background, he exclaims, "I think that's a whale tail. It's just come up and stuck its tail up, and it's not going anywhere. I don't even know what to say."

The intriguing footage also includes mesmerizing underwater shots of the whale as it executes the headstand in the water, while its offspring rests nearby.

Addressing the whales in a friendly tone, Moss says, "I don't really know what you guys are doing but I'm friendly. Thanks for coming to say hello to me."

Termed "tail sailing," this behavior is a rare phenomenon occasionally witnessed in humpbacks, gray whales, bowhead whales, and right whales, according to Science Alert. The behavior's underlying motivation remains elusive, although speculation suggests it might be connected to resting. Similar to how humpbacks sleep vertically in the water column, a mother whale may adopt this posture to keep a watchful eye on her calf.

Additionally, the maneuver might serve a thermoregulatory purpose. By angling their lower bodies into the wind, warm-blooded whales could potentially manage their body temperature more effectively.

This captivating encounter sheds light on the enigmatic behaviors of these majestic creatures, offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of marine life.

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On Thursday, 16-year-old Rhyan Singh and two of his friends were ambushed by a gang armed with machetes in Tarneit City, according to TV Channel 7News.

According to the report, a group of around seven to eight people attacked the trio, demanding that they hand over the phones and that Rhyan give up his new Nike Air Jordan sneakers, which he had just received as a present.

The Year-10 student and his two friends were playing basketball in Tarneit before Rhyan's birthday celebration dinner. According to the report, the aspiring cricketer was stabbed in the ribs, arms, hand, and back, as well as hit in the back of the head.

According to Victoria Police, another of his friends was also stabbed.

According to Australia Today, "an altercation occurred, and the youths were stabbed several times before the offenders fled the scene."

"(It's) not fair ... we were planning for his birthday," Rhyan's mother Sushma Manandhar said.

Rhyan was taken to the hospital and had surgery to save the fingers on his left hand.

According to the report, he is expected to be in the hospital for a few more days as he recovers, and both of his friends are also recovering in the hospital.

The same afternoon, the group ambushed more victims at a leisure complex in Caroline Springs, according to 7News.

According to Victoria Police, the culprits fled the area in a dark-coloured vehicle that has yet to be found.

The cylinder appears to be severely damaged and was discovered leaning on its side.

MH370 debris speculation

On Monday (July 17), speculation erupted online, with some suggesting it was related to the missing plane MH370, which went missing in 2014.

However, aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas refuted this theory, claiming that the object is likely to be a piece of a rocket fired within the last year, ruling out any link to MH370 or a Boeing 777 jet.

“It appears to be a possible fuel tank from a rocket that has been launched in the last 12 months that’s dropped into the Indian Ocean, somewhere in the Indian Ocean, and washed up at Green Head," aviation expert and editor-in-chief at airlineratings.com Geoffrey Thomas said, according to Reuters.

“There’s no chance it’s part of MH370. It’s not any part of a Boeing 777 and the fact is MH370 was lost nine and a half years ago so it would show a great deal more wear and tear on the debris," he further stated.

According to local media sources, a joint investigation is currently underway including Western Australia police, the Australian Defence Force, and maritime partners.

Western Australia Police Force (WAPF) said, “We want to reassure the community that we are actively engaged in a collaborative effort with various State and Federal agencies to determine the object’s origin and nature."

“The investigation is ongoing, and until further information is available, we urge everyone to refrain from drawing conclusions."

The police added that the object is being treated as hazardous until the origin of it can be established. “People in the area should keep a safe distance."

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Notably, the Indian Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Australia.

PM Modi said, "PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also. We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the India-Australia relationship by their action or thoughts. PM Albanese assured me once again today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also."

Notably, several cases of Khalistani extremism and brawls between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators have recently surfaced in Australia. Recently, Indian flags were burned, and a Hindu temple was vandalised in Australia.

Previously, during his March visit to India, Albanese stated that Australia will not accept any extreme activities or attacks on religious buildings, adding that such action against Hindu temples has no place.

In response to a media question on the assurances given to his Indian counterpart by the Australian Prime Minister, Albanese stated, "I assured him that Australia is a country that respects people's faith. That we don't tolerate the sort of extreme actions and attacks that we have seen on religious buildings, be they Hindu temples, mosques, synagogues, or churches. This has no place in Australia."

"And we will take every action through our police and also our security agencies to make sure that anyone responsible for this faces the full force of the law. We're a tolerant multicultural nation, and there is no place in Australia for this activity."

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to proceed with his visit to Sydney, after US President Joe Biden pulled out from the scheduled Quad Summit that was cancelled and later held on the sidelines of the just concluded G7 summit in Hiroshima

During his Australia visit, PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.

At their bilateral meeting, the leaders will discuss trade and investment, including efforts to boost trade between the two countries through a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and work to strengthen people-to-people links, renewable energy, and defence and security cooperation, said the official statement released by the Australian government.

PM Modi will also meet Australian business leaders to drive Australia's growing trade and investment relationship with India and take forward opportunities from the Australia-India CEO Forum held in Mumbai in March," according to the statement.

"During the visit, the Prime Ministers will attend a community event in Sydney to celebrate Australia's dynamic and diverse Indian diaspora, a core part of our multicultural community," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Australian PM Albanese said he looks forward to visiting India in September in New Delhi for the G20 Leaders' Summit, the world's premier forum for economic cooperation.

Earlier in Papua New Guinea on Monday, PM Narendra Modi underlined the role of capacity building in the India-Pacific Island countries partnership. He interacted with alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) from across Pacific Island Countries (PIC).

"These ITEC alumni, including government officials, professionals and community leaders, are contributing to their societies using the skills gained in India. PM lauded them for keeping India in their hearts and reiterated his support for capacity-building efforts in the region," according to Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

PM Modi also interacted with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. It is pertinent to mention that this is the first meeting since Hipkins became the country's Prime Minister.

"Had an excellent meeting with the New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins and discussed the full rage of India-New Zealand relations. We talked about how to improve commercial and cultural linkages between our nations," tweeted PM Narendra Modi.

The authorities at the temple in Western Sydney's Rosehill suburb said they found unwanted graffiti on the structure's front wall and a so-called 'Khalistan flag' hanging on its gate, a week ago, on May 5. The inquiry conducted by NSW police detectives revealed that the incident took place between 1 am and 2 am early Friday morning, reported The Australia Today.

After the initial probe, the NSW police have released an image of a vehicle last spotted plying on Virginia Street toward James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, in the wee hours of Friday morning.

They think the passengers in the car might know anything that could help the investigation, or even have dashcam footage.

Superintendent Sheridan Waldau, the Cumberland Commander, expressed hope that someone in the neighbourhood may have some information that could aid in identifying the suspect or the vehicle.

Waldau said, "We are also hopeful that the person, or the occupants of the car, will contact detectives as we believe they could have information crucial to the investigation."

A second image that was released by the NSW Police is thought to be of a person who was seen in the vicinity of the temple at or around the same time as the first.

The person's face in the image is with a mask. He is seen wearing dark clothing, and a beanie. It is yet to be ascertained if the individual in the picture is related to the car in the other image.

Superintendent Waldau added, "NSW Police works closely with members of a widely-diverse community in western Sydney, and it's disappointing that actions such as these can cause unnecessary distress."

"Police rely on the support of the local community to provide information so it can be investigated, but it's important to know that information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence," she also said.

The NSW Police have also released a contact number, urging the citizens to contact Granville Police Station upon receiving any information regarding the case. One can either call on 1800 333 000 or can send an email to http://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, The Australia Today reported.

Notably, the temple vandalisation episode came almost two months after temples in Melbourne and Brisbane were vandalised by pro-Khalistan supporters.

Earlier this year too, there were reports of temple vandalisation in Australia. Three temples in Melbourne and two in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters.

The latest episode of temple vandalisation by anti-social elements comes days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend in-person the Quad Leaders' Summit scheduled on May 24 in Sydney. Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation will host a grand community reception in honour of PM Modi a day ahead of the QUAD Leaders' Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier raised concerns with his Australian counterpart, to which he assured that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority.

In the US and Canada too, the pro-Khalistan supporters had attempted on various occasions to vandalise temples and Indian diplomatic installations after police in India lodged a manhunt on radicalist Amritpal Singh. 

Patel, an onlooker who did not want to give his first name, told The Australia Today that he saw the vandalised temple walls when he visited the site on Thursday.

"When I reached the temple today morning all walls were coloured with graffiti of Khalistani hatred towards Hindus." The Australia Today quoted Patel.

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"I am angry, scared and dismayed by the blatant display of religious hatred towards the peaceful Hindu community by Khalistan supporters." BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir said in a statement to The Australia Today that they are "deeply saddened and shocked by these acts of vandalism and hate."

According to The Australia Today, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir also stated that they have informed the authorities about the incident.

Meanwhile, in a video message, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his "warmest wishes" to Pramukh Swami Maharaj ji and the BAPS organisation on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.

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"The collision happened at around 2 pm local time near the popular tourist strip of Main Beach on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane," CNN reported.

"Those two aircraft, when collided, crash-landed on the sandbank just out from Sea World Resort," Queensland Police Inspector Gary Worrell, a regional duty officer for the southeastern region, said, adding that emergency services found it difficult to access the sand bank.

According to Jayney Shearman of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), the two helicopters carried a total of thirteen people. Four of the 13 were killed, and three were critically injured. Six passengers suffered minor injuries from shattered glass.

She stated that all of the injured had been taken to the hospital.

Photos of the accident site show debris scattered across a strip of sand. Many personnel are gathered on land, and numerous vessels can be seen in the surrounding waters.

"Worrell said that though it's too early to determine the exact cause of the accident, initial inquiries suggest one helicopter had been taking off and the other landing when they collided," CNN reported.

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