Melbourne, July 28 (IANS) In a first such case in Victoria, three men have been charged with inciting racial hatred nearly six months after they physically assaulted an Indian student in this Australian city.

police have laid racial vilification charges against all the accused who racially and physically abused an Indian student on a bus heading towards Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula February 6.

Two of the men have been charged with inciting racial hatred, intentionally causing serious injury, assault and offensive language, AAP reported Wednesday.

They have been ordered to appear at the Frankston Magistrates Court September 1. A third man is expected to be summoned on the same date.

"Police are hoping the laying of charges in relation to a serious racial vilification incident will send a strong message to the community that this behaviour will not be tolerated," a statement from Victoria Police said.

"This is the first time that charges of this nature have been put before the courts."