Australian teen threatens to blow up Indian neighbours, charged with hate crime

An Australian teenager has been charged after allegedly racially abusing and threatening an Indian family in Brisbane. The family is considering returning to India, while the accused has secured bail under strict conditions.19-year-old Harley Adams was arrested and charged with hate offences. (Queensland Police)New Delhi,Oct 22, 2026 11:55 ISTA 19-year-old Australian man has been charged with hate crime after allegedly racially abusing an Indian family in Brisbane and threatening to “blow up” their apartment building, leaving the family so frightened that they are considering leaving the country.The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Monday at a unit complex in Brisbane’s Morningside suburb, according to Queensland Police. The accused, Harley Adams, allegedly shouted racist insults at the family and threatened to blow up the building, police said.The family has been left deeply shaken by the alleged attack and is considering breaking its lease and returning to India over fears for its safety.Adams was later arrested at a local hotel by heavily armed police officers wearing tactical gear. He was charged with three counts of making threats and an offence relating to serious vilification or hate crime. He was remanded in custody before appearing via video link in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday. ACCUSED GRANTED BAIL UNDER STRICT TERMSPolice prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler described Adams’ alleged conduct as an "extraordinary racist outburst" in court. The magistrate also heard allegations that Adams had threatened to blow himself up along with other people at the apartment complex.Kahler stated that Adams wrongly believed the Indian family had lodged a police complaint against him, resulting in his eviction. The alleged threats have also affected other residents. Police told the court that several people living in the complex had been breaking their leases and moving out because of Adams’ behaviour.According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Adams’ lawyer told the court that the teenager had struggled since his mother’s death 18 months ago. He had also been diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the lawyer said. Adams is working with social services to find alternative accommodation.The court granted Adams bail under strict conditions. He must wear an electronic monitoring device, stay away from the apartment complex and its residents, and report to a police station three times a week.The next hearing in the matter has been set for November 16.The incident comes amid growing concerns over anti-Indian sentiment and racist abuse in Australia, particularly as immigration becomes a flashpoint in public debate. Indian Australians have reported facing hostility both online and in public spaces, with community members raising concerns about increasingly aggressive rhetoric targeting migrants.Australia's 2026 human rights assessment also flagged rising anti-immigrant sentiment and warned that migrants, including Indians, were being singled out.- Ends