‘Why my community being mocked’: Indian-origin mayor in Australia slams racist assault, steps down over dangerous driving charges

Indian-origin mayor in Australia Pradeep Tiwari condemned racist assaults as he is stepping down quickly from his publish on allegations of dangerous driving.

Pradeep Tiwari, an indian-origin mayor in Australia’s Maribyrnong, has stepped down quickly from his publish as he faces charges of dangerous driving. In a Facebook publish, Tiwari condemned the racist assaults he confronted concentrating on his Indian origin and stated racism has no place in society. “It is very difficult for me to understand why the entire Indian community is being mocked and degraded with racist commentary. Racism has no place in our society, and I will continue to call it out whenever it appears,” Tiwari stated. “While this matter is before the courts, I will be standing down from my duties as Mayor. In line with Council processes, the Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas, will serve as Acting Mayor during this period.”

Pradeep Tiwari stated racism has no place in Australian society.

“I want to make it clear that I remain a Councillor of the City of Maribyrnong. Once this legal matter and investigation are resolved, I fully intend to return to my role and continue representing our community,” Pradeep Tiwari stated. Tiwari was charged with a depend of touching a conveyable machine whereas driving and a depend of failing to make sure a passenger was not in the identical seat as the driving force. This incident happened in June final 12 months, earlier than Tiwari was elected to the Maribyrnong Council. In November, he was elected the mayor and have become the primary in Victoria’s historical past to be of Indian heritage. Tiwari grew to become a needed man after a warrant was issued for his arrest, as he didn’t seem at a court docket listening to to face a dangerous driving cost. The warrant was later withdrawn as Tiwari’s attorneys contacted the court docket, and the case was adjourned till October. The Council stated it is a private matter for Tiwari, and the Council respects the authorized course of underway. “This is a personal matter for Cr Tiwari, and Council respects the legal process now underway. We trust it will be resolved in a timely and appropriate manner. In the interim, Deputy Mayor Cr Bernadette Thomas will assume the role of Acting Mayor. Council will not be making any further comment at this time,” it stated.