The theft of a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi from an Indian Community Centre in Melbourne has triggered widespread shock and outrage among the Indian diaspora and local residents in Australia.
The incident occurred at the Indian Community Hall in the Rowville suburb of Melbourne, where a bronze statue of Gandhi weighing around 240 kg had been installed. The statue was unveiled in November 2021 by then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and stood as a symbol of peace, non-violence and multicultural harmony.
According to police, an unidentified gang carried out the theft in a planned manner. The miscreants allegedly cut and removed the statue, stealing the upper portion while leaving the legs behind. The act is believed to have taken place under the cover of darkness.
Victoria Police have launched a detailed investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved. Authorities have also appealed to the public for information that could help recover the statue.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from community leaders, who described it as deeply offensive and an attack on shared values. Members of the Indian community have demanded swift action and enhanced security for public monuments.
The theft has once again raised concerns over the safety of cultural symbols and public memorials across Australia.
