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India Demands Action After Gandhi Statue Stolen in Melbourne Vandalism

India has strongly condemned the vandalism and theft of a Mahatma Gandhi statue from an Indian community centre in Melbourne. The Ministry of External Affairs has raised the matter with Australian authorities, urging immediate action to recover the statue and hold the culprits accountable. Victoria Police are investigating the January 12 theft, believed to be carried out by three unknown individuals. The bronze statue, gifted by India and inaugurated in 2021, holds significant cultural and symbolic importance for the Indian community in Australia.

Key Points: Gandhi Statue Stolen in Australia, India Condemns Vandalism

  • India condemns statue theft
  • Urges Australia for immediate action
  • Statue stolen by three unidentified people
  • Investigation ongoing by Victoria Police
  • Statue was a 2021 gift from India
2 min read

India condemns vandalisation and removal of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Australia's Melbourne

India urges Australia to recover stolen Mahatma Gandhi statue from Melbourne community centre and hold culprits accountable for the vandalism.

"We strongly condemn the vandalization and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue... and urged them to take immediate action to recover the missing statue and hold the culprits accountable. - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, Feb 3

India on Tuesday condemned the vandalisation and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue from Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne by unidentified people, saying that it has raised the matter with the relevant Australian authorities.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has urged Australia to take "immediate action" to find the missing statue and take action against the culprits.

In response to media queries regarding the statue in Australia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We strongly condemn the vandalization and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue located at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne by unidentified people. We have strongly raised the matter with Australian authorities and urged them to take immediate action to recover the missing statue and hold the culprits accountable."

MEA's statement came after local media reports claimed that a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville was stolen, sparking concern among the Indian Australian community in Melbourne.

Victoria Police on Monday stated that officers from the Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit are carrying out probe into the theft, which allegedly took place on January 12. Police believe the statue was stolen by three unknown people from the charity premises on Kingsley Close in Rowville at approximately 12:50 am (local time), 'The Australia Today' reported.

The investigation into the incident is being conducted with police advising scrap metal dealers to remain vigilant for any individual trying to sell the bronze statue and report any suspicious activity immediately. Furthermore, anyone with information, CCTV footage or who has seen the incident has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers, The Australia Today reported.

Notably, the Mahatma Gandhi statue gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was inaugurated by Australia's then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2021 and holds cultural, historical and symbolic importance for the Indian community in the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Australian, I'm appalled by this act. The statue was a gift and a symbol of the strong ties between our communities. I hope the police investigation is swift and the culprits are caught. This does not represent the feelings of most Australians.
A
Ananya R
Very sad news. It was inaugurated by the PM himself, which shows its importance. Probably stolen for scrap metal, but the intent to disrespect is clear. Hope MEA's strong statement leads to quick action. 🙏
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Vikram M
While I condemn this act strongly, I also hope our government shows similar urgency in protecting historical monuments and statues within our own country. Our reaction must be consistent.
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Karthik V
Three people at 12:50 AM... sounds planned. This is more than just theft; it's a hate crime targeting the Indian diaspora's cultural symbols. Australian police need to treat it as such.
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Meera T
Feel so angry reading this. For the Indian community there, that statue was a piece of home and a reminder of our values. Hope it's recovered soon and security for such symbols is increased.

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