Mahatma Gandhi statue stolen in Melbourne, Indian community shocked

A 426‑kg bronze Mahatma Gandhi statue was stolen from Melbourne’s Indian Community Centre; thieves cut it from its base, police probe underway

In a shocking incident, a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi weighing 426 kilograms has been stolen from outside the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The statue, gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi, was a symbol of cultural and historical pride for the Indian diaspora in Australia.

According to reports in Australia Today, the theft occurred around 12.50 pm on Monday. Police stated that three unidentified individuals used an angle grinder to cut the statue from its base before making away with it. Images shared on social media revealed the statue had been severed near its feet, leaving only the lower portion behind.

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The incident has sparked outrage and deep concern among the Indian community, who regarded the statue as a tribute to Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non‑violence. Community leaders have urged authorities to conduct a swift investigation and recover the stolen monument.

Victoria Police have launched inquiries and are appealing for public assistance to identify the culprits. The theft has not only caused material loss but also emotional distress, as the statue represented enduring ties between India and Australia.

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