Gandhi Statue Stolen in Australia: India Demands Immediate Recovery
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India has strongly condemned the theft of a 420 kg bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne. The statue, gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in 2021, was unveiled by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a symbol of the countries' strong ties. According to Australian media reports, the statue was removed from its base in the early hours of January 12 using an angle grinder, leaving only the feet intact. Local police suspect three unidentified offenders were involved in the theft and have warned scrap metal dealers to be vigilant about anyone attempting to sell the statue. This is not the first time the statue has been targeted by vandals. It was vandalized just a day after its inauguration in 2021, prompting widespread condemnation in Australia and India. The Indian government has urged Australian authorities to take immediate action to recover the stolen statue and hold the culprits accountable. The Indian community in Melbourne has expressed shock and concern over the incident, calling for stronger protection for cultural sites. As the investigation continues, the Knox Crime Investigation Unit of Australia's Victoria state is working to track down the missing statue and identify those responsible for its theft.
