New Delhi, February 3, 2026 – India has strongly condemned the vandalism and removal of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Melbourne, Australia, and is urging Australian authorities to take swift action. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised the matter with Australian officials, calling for the recovery of the statue and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The statue, which was located at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, was vandalized and removed by unidentified individuals. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We strongly condemn the vandalisation and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue located at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, by unidentified people". He further added that the matter had been strongly raised with Australian authorities, urging immediate action to recover the statue and hold the culprits accountable.
The bronze statue, gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, was inaugurated on November 12, 2021, by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. It holds significant cultural, historical, and symbolic value for the Indian-Australian community. The same statue was also vandalized shortly after its inauguration in November 2021.
Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officers from the Knox Crime Investigation Unit believe the theft occurred in the early hours of January 12. Police reports indicate that three unidentified offenders allegedly stole the statue from the charity premises on Kingsley Close, Rowville, at around 12:50 am. "Officers have been told the offenders used an angle grinder to cut the statue," the police statement said. It is believed the statue weighed 420 kg and was cut from its base, leaving only the feet. Police have warned scrap metal dealers to be vigilant for anyone attempting to sell the bronze statue. They are also reviewing CCTV footage.
The incident has sparked concern and outrage among members of Melbourne's Indian-Australian community, who have called for stronger measures to protect cultural and heritage symbols. Community leaders have expressed shock and called for stronger protection for such cultural sites. The theft has revived memories of the earlier vandalism. The initial vandalism in 2021 occurred amid heightened tensions linked to Khalistan-related extremist activity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV footage, or who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers. India continues to press for a thorough investigation and the swift apprehension of those responsible for this act.