Mahatma Gandhi Statue Stolen in Melbourne, Probe Underway

Gandhi Statue Theft Shocks Indian Community in Australia

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been stolen from outside the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne , triggering widespread concern among the Indian diaspora.

The 426-kilogram statue, which was gifted by India, was taken in a daylight operation, prompting an investigation by Australian authorities and diplomatic attention from community leaders.

Theft from a Melbourne Suburb

The incident occurred in Rowville , a suburb of Melbourne, around midday on Monday. According to police statements, three unidentified offenders used an angle grinder to cut the statue from its pedestal before removing it from the premises.

Images circulating on social media show the statue severed at the ankles, with only the feet remaining at the site—an act that has been described by community members as both symbolic and deeply disturbing.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance

The statue was installed as a symbol of peace, non-violence, and democratic values , reflecting the shared ideals between India and Australia. It was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) , which operates under India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

For the Indian diaspora, the statue represented not just cultural heritage but also India’s civilisational values and contribution to global thought.

CCTV Evidence and Police Investigation

The Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust , which manages the centre, confirmed that the theft was captured on CCTV cameras. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects arrived in a white van and concealed their identities using balaclavas.

The CCTV footage has been handed over to the police and is currently under examination. As of now, no arrests have been made , and investigations are ongoing.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICCR functions under India’s Ministry of External Affairs

• Mahatma Gandhi statues are installed worldwide as symbols of peace and non-violence

• Crimes targeting cultural symbols often have diplomatic and social implications

• Australia hosts one of the largest Indian diaspora communities globally

Concerns Over Extremism and Community Safety

Community leaders have linked the incident to a broader pattern of vandalism and intimidation targeting Indian institutions in Australia over recent years. Such acts have often been associated with extremist elements , including Khalistan-linked groups , which have previously targeted Indian diplomatic missions and places of worship.

The theft has renewed calls for stronger protection of cultural symbols , enhanced policing of community spaces, and closer cooperation between Indian and Australian authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of diaspora institutions.

Broader Significance

Beyond the criminal investigation, the incident raises important questions about diaspora security, cultural diplomacy,