Mahatma Gandhi Statue Stolen in Australia

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been stolen from outside the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne, triggering concern and outrage among the Indian diaspora. The theft, involving a 426-kilogram statue gifted by India, has prompted a police investigation, with CCTV footage now under close review by Australian authorities.

Theft from Melbourne community centre

The statue was removed from its pedestal in Rowville, a suburb of Melbourne, around midday on Monday. Police said three unidentified offenders used an angle grinder to cut the statue from its base before taking it away. Visuals circulating on social media show the statue severed at the ankles, with only its feet remaining at the site.

Cultural and diplomatic significance

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was installed outside the Australian Indian Community Centre as a symbol of peace, non-violence, and shared democratic values. It was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, and held strong cultural and historical importance for the Indian community living in Australia.

CCTV evidence and police investigation

Members of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust confirmed that the incident was captured on CCTV cameras. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects arrived in a white van and concealed their identities with balaclavas. The footage has been handed over to police as part of the investigation, though no arrests have been made so far.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICCR functions under India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Mahatma Gandhi statues are installed worldwide as symbols of peace and non-violence.
• Crimes targeting cultural symbols often raise diplomatic and community concerns.
• Australia hosts one of the largest Indian diaspora communities globally.

Concerns over rising extremism

Community leaders have linked the incident to a broader pattern of vandalism and intimidation targeting Indian institutions in Australia in recent years. These acts have often been associated with extremist elements, including Khalistan-linked groups, which have previously targeted Indian diplomatic missions and places of worship. The theft has renewed calls for stronger protection of cultural symbols and community spaces abroad.