A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, Australia, prompting a strong response from Indian authorities.
Vandalism and Theft
The 426-kg statue was reportedly cut from its base using an angle grinder in the early hours of January 12, and then cut into pieces, according to Australia Today. This incident follows a previous act of vandalism that occurred within a day of the statue’s inauguration in November 2021.
The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the incident and has urged Australian authorities to take immediate action to recover the statue and hold those responsible accountable. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the matter had been “strongly raised” with Australian officials.
Investigation Underway
The Victoria Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the theft, which involved three unknown individuals acting at approximately 12:50 am on Kingsley Close, Rowville. Police have alerted scrap metal dealers to be vigilant for anyone attempting to sell the bronze and have requested they report any suspicious activity.
The earlier vandalism, which also drew condemnation from both India and Australia, did not result in any public arrests, according to Australia Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the weight of the stolen statue?
The statue weighed 426-kg.
When was the statue originally inaugurated?
The statue was inaugurated in 2021 by former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison.
What action has the Indian government taken?
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and has urged Australian authorities to recover the statue and hold those responsible accountable.
What does this repeated act of vandalism suggest about the potential for ongoing tensions and the challenges of protecting symbols of international cooperation?
