Full Breakdown
Theft of Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Melbourne Sparks Outrage and Calls for Action
2/4/2026, 4:14:29 PM
Overview of the Incident
On January 12, 2026, a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. Weighing approximately 420 to 426 kilograms, the statue was reportedly cut from its base using an angle grinder by three unidentified individuals around 12:50 AM. The theft has prompted a police investigation, with authorities warning scrap metal dealers to be vigilant for any attempts to sell the statue.
Indian Government's Response
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the theft, urging Australian authorities to take swift action to recover the statue and hold those responsible accountable. 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.” The Indian government had gifted the statue to the community centre in 2021, and it was inaugurated by then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Community Reactions
Vasan Srinivasan, chair of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust, expressed disappointment over the loss, emphasizing Gandhi's significance as an "icon of India." He noted that the statue had previously been vandalized, including an attempted beheading shortly after its inauguration. Despite the history of vandalism, Srinivasan does not believe the theft was motivated by racism, as there were no slogans or graffiti found at the scene.
Local political figures, including Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and opposition spokesperson Evan Mulholland, have voiced their support for the Indian-Australian community. Allan stated, “Victoria is a proudly multicultural state and there is zero tolerance for any acts that target and disrespect cultural monuments.” Mulholland described the incident as deeply distressing, asserting that multicultural communities should feel safe and respected.
Investigative Efforts
Victoria Police's Knox Crime Investigation Unit is actively investigating the theft. Authorities have indicated that the method of removal bears similarities to previous international incidents where statues were targeted for their metal value. Police have not confirmed any ideological motives behind the theft, but they are exploring all lines of inquiry, including whether the statue was stolen for scrap metal.
Broader Implications
The theft has raised concerns within Melbourne's Indian-Australian community regarding the safety of cultural symbols. Leaders within the community have called for stronger protections for such monuments, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. The incident has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of cultural landmarks in a polarized global climate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
- “Gandhi means a lot to us - a father of the nation who fought for India's freedom without bloodshed,” — Vasan Srinivasan, Chair of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust
- “Our multicultural communities should feel safe and respected in every suburb of this state,” — Evan Mulholland, Victoria’s Opposition Spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities prioritize the recovery of the statue and the identification of those responsible for this act.
