Indian man deported from Australia for assaulting Sikhs

Vishal Jood, 25, has been deported from Australia after serving jail time for assaulting members of the Sikh community in Sydney. Attempts to "undermine" Australia's social cohesion would not be tolerated tweeted Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs on the subject.

"I thank community leaders who have worked to build cross-community unity and resilience against attempts by a small minority to incite discord and disharmony, demonstrating the importance and benefit of our nation's strong social cohesion," the Australian minister tweeted.

Jood, who is from Haryana, was arrested earlier this and convicted on the basis of assaults that prosecution said took place last September and February this year. Later, under a plea bargain, some charges were withdrawn and he was convicted for 12 months with parole after six months.

He received support in India from members of his community who claimed that he had been targetting only 'Pro-Khalistani' Sikhs and that it was these Khalistani elements that had implicated him under false charges. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had in June asked the Australian authorities to release him. His home town of Karnal welcomed him with a procession, celebration and garlands according to reports.