Outrage Over Mahatma Gandhi Statue Theft in Melbourne

India condemned the theft of a Gandhi statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne and demands action. The sculpture, removed on January 12, weighs 420 kg. India's Ministry of External Affairs urges Australia to recover the statue and hold perpetrators accountable. The statue symbolizes India-Australia relations.

The Indian government expressed strong disapproval following the theft of a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne. Demanding swift action, India is calling on Australian authorities to promptly recover the statue and identify those responsible for the act.

The statue, reportedly weighing 420 kilograms, was allegedly removed from its position at the community center in Rowville during the early hours of January 12. It is believed that the miscreants used a grinder to detach the sculpture, leaving only the feet of the revered figure intact.

Gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the statue was unveiled in 2021 by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. It stands as a representation of the robust relationship between India and Australia, a relationship that now demands the restoration and justice for this act of vandalism. India has unequivocally voiced its stance and expects action from Australia.

(With inputs from agencies.)