India Condemns Theft of Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Melbourne, Seeks Immediate Action from Australia

India has strongly condemned the theft of a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, urging Australian authorities to take swift action to recover the monument and bring those responsible to justice. The incident has triggered widespread concern among the Indian diaspora and raised questions about the safety of culturally significant installations overseas.

According to officials, the statue—installed at the Australian Indian Community Centre—was discovered missing after unidentified individuals allegedly cut it from its base using heavy tools. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident, which is believed to have involved multiple offenders. Authorities suspect that an angle grinder may have been used to detach the statue before it was removed from the premises.

Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said India had formally raised the issue with the Australian government. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi “strongly condemns the vandalisation and removal” of the Gandhi statue and expects prompt action to identify the culprits. He added that the incident was being closely monitored and that India had urged Australian authorities to ensure accountability.

The statue, which held deep cultural and symbolic significance for the local community, had been gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and inaugurated in November 2021 by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Since then, it had served as a prominent symbol of peace, non-violence, and India’s cultural heritage within the Indian-Australian community.

Community leaders in Melbourne have expressed shock and disappointment, describing the incident as both emotionally distressing and culturally damaging. The Gandhi statue was not only a tribute to India’s freedom movement but also a reminder of shared democratic values between India and Australia. Many residents have called for enhanced security measures at cultural landmarks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local law enforcement officials said they are examining CCTV footage and gathering evidence from the site. Investigators believe that the theft may have been planned, given the tools reportedly used and the coordinated nature of the act. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue efforts to locate the missing statue.

The episode has reignited discussions about the protection of cultural symbols abroad, particularly those representing historical figures of global importance. Gandhi, revered worldwide for his philosophy of non-violence and civil resistance, has long been a symbol of peace, making the incident especially sensitive for both Indian authorities and the diaspora.

Diplomatic observers say the swift response from New Delhi underscores the importance India places on safeguarding its cultural heritage overseas. While Australian authorities have assured cooperation, the focus now remains on recovering the statue and restoring a sense of security within the community.

As investigations continue, the incident stands as a reminder of the vulnerability of public monuments and the need for stronger safeguards to preserve shared cultural and historical legacies across international borders.