Pradeep Tiwari, an indian-origin mayor in Australia’s Maribyrnong, has stepped down temporarily from his post as he faces charges of dangerous driving. In a Facebook post, Tiwari condemned the racist attacks he faced targeting his Indian origin and said 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 said. “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 said 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 said. Tiwari was charged with a count of touching a portable device while driving and a count of failing to ensure a passenger was not in the same seat as the driver. This incident took place in June last year, before Tiwari was elected to the Maribyrnong Council. In November, he was elected the mayor and became the first in Victoria’s history to be of Indian heritage. Tiwari became a wanted man after a warrant was issued for his arrest, as he did not appear at a court hearing to face a dangerous driving charge. The warrant was later withdrawn as Tiwari’s lawyers contacted the court, and the case was adjourned until October. The Council said this is a personal matter for Tiwari, and the Council respects the legal process 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 said.