Why Did India Condemn the Vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's Statue in Melbourne?
Synopsis
India has condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Melbourne, urging Australian authorities to take immediate action. This incident raises significant concerns in the Indian Australian community, highlighting the importance of cultural symbols.
Key Takeaways
India condemns the theft of Mahatma Gandhi's statue.
MEA urges swift action from Australian authorities.
Vandalism has raised concerns in the Indian Australian community.
Investigation is ongoing by Victoria Police.
The statue was inaugurated by Scott Morrison in 2021.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) India expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding the vandalism and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne, which was perpetrated by unidentified individuals. The Indian government has raised the issue with the appropriate authorities in Australia.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called on Australia to take swift action to locate the missing statue and to bring those responsible to justice.
In a response to media inquiries about the statue, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented, "We strongly condemn the vandalization and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue situated at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne by unidentified individuals. We have firmly raised this matter with Australian authorities and urged them to take immediate steps to recover the statue and hold the perpetrators accountable."
This statement from MEA arrived after local media reports indicated that a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen, which has caused significant concern within the Indian Australian community in Melbourne.
On Monday, Victoria Police reported that officers from the Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit are actively investigating the theft, which allegedly occurred on January 12. Police suspect that three unknown individuals stole the statue from the charity premises located on Kingsley Close in Rowville around 12:50 am (local time), as reported by 'The Australia Today.'
The investigation is ongoing, with police advising scrap metal dealers to be alert for anyone attempting to sell the bronze statue and to report any suspicious activities immediately. Furthermore, anyone with information, CCTV footage, or who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers, as mentioned by The Australia Today.
Importantly, the Mahatma Gandhi statue, which was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2021 and holds significant cultural, historical, and symbolic importance for the Indian community in Australia.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that incidents like the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's statue not only affect cultural sentiments but also have broader implications for community relations. We stand in solidarity with the Indian community and expect swift action from authorities.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Melbourne?
The Mahatma Gandhi statue was vandalized and removed from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne by unidentified individuals.
What has the Indian government done in response?
The Indian government has condemned the act and urged Australian authorities to take immediate action to recover the statue and apprehend the culprits.
When was the statue inaugurated?
The statue was inaugurated in 2021 by then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Why is the statue significant?
The statue holds cultural, historical, and symbolic importance for the Indian community in Australia.
What should anyone with information do?
Individuals with information or CCTV footage related to the incident are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
