NEW DELHI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- India Wednesday condemned alleged "racist" attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, Australia and urged the Australian authorities to stop such attacks and punish the attackers.

    "I have been appalled by the attack on our students in Melbourne. Our consulate general in Melbourne has been in touch with the students affected and with the state police," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told reporters.

    "We will also impress upon the Australian authorities that such attacks should not be permitted and that it is their responsibility to ensure the well-being and security of our students in Australia," he said.

    India's High Commissioner to Australia Sujatha Singh has rushed to Melbourne to ensure that Sravan Kumar Theerthala, an Indian student who was severely beaten up in a racially motivated assault, receives the best possible treatment, said Indian officials.

    The 25-year-old Theerthala was among four Indian students from India attacked by a group of Australian teenagers with screwdrivers earlier this week.