India Demands Immediate Recovery of Vandalized Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Melbourne

New Delhi/Melbourne.

 India has issued a strong condemnation following the vandalism and theft of a Mahatma Gandhi statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne. The Indian government has urged Australian authorities to recover the stolen monument immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A Brazen Act of Vandalism

According to reports from Australian media, the bronze statue located in the Rowville area of Melbourne was allegedly uprooted and removed in the early hours of January 12. The vandals reportedly used a grinder to saw through the 420kg bronze structure, leaving only the feet attached to the base.

India’s Official Response

External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the incident, stating:

“We strongly condemn the vandalism and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue by unidentified individuals at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne.”

Jaiswal further emphasized that India has taken up the matter “strongly” with Australian officials, demanding the swift recovery of the missing statue and strict action against those responsible for this act of desecration.

A Symbol of Bilateral Friendship

The statue holds significant diplomatic value:

• Origin: It was gifted to the community by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

• Inauguration: It was unveiled in 2021 by then-Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

• Significance: The monument served as a symbol of the flourishing friendship and deep cultural ties between India and Australia.

Local authorities in Melbourne are currently investigating the incident, while the Indian diaspora has expressed shock and outrage over the targeting of a global icon of peace and non-violence.

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