The Victoria police has faced criticism for its advice that asked Indian students to "try to dress poor". The Police said that the comments were blown out of proportion and were meant to be a "light hearted summation" of the safety advice.

The police as well as the Government has said that the advice could have been given to any community member to make them aware of their valuables and that the remark "try to look as poor as you can" must be seen as "light-hearted summation of the advice".

Simon Overland the chief of Victorian police was speaking at a safety forum when he told Indian students to try not to display their valuables be become less of a target.

He said "Don't display your iPods, don't display your valuable watch, don't display your valuable jewellery. Try to look as poor as you can."

Meanwhile the attacks on the Indian students have forced many to return home leaving their courses half way and suffering huge losses financially. The loss could range between Rs 12-20 lakh per student.

More than 150,000 Indian students are studying at various institutions in Australia.