Mahatma Gandhi Statue Stolen from Melbourne Community Centre

400kg Gandhi Statue Stolen from Melbourne Community Centre

A 400-kilogram solid bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, on January 12, just before 1 am. Victoria Police are investigating the incident, which is believed to have involved three individuals who used an angle grinder to remove the statue. The theft has prompted condemnations from the Indian government and Australian officials, while authorities have advised scrap metal dealers to be vigilant.

The statue, an estimated $60,000 gift from the Indian Government in 2021, was detached at its ankles using an angle grinder, according to CCTV footage. Victoria Police have initiated an investigation into the theft.

Vasan Srinivasan, chairperson of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust, stated that he does not believe the incident was motivated by racism or politics, suggesting the perpetrators likely targeted the statue for its metallic value, noting the absence of slogans or graffiti at the scene.

Victoria Police are actively investigating the theft and have issued a warning to scrap metal dealers regarding the potential resale of the statue.

The Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the incident. Jaiswal stated that the matter has been raised with Australian authorities, urging immediate action to recover the statue and identify those responsible.

Australian officials have also responded to the theft. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the act, emphasizing the state's multicultural status and a zero-tolerance policy for acts targeting cultural monuments. Evan Mulholland, Victoria's opposition spokesperson for multicultural affairs, also expressed solidarity with the Indian-Australian community.

The stolen statue was donated to the Australian Indian Community Centre by the Indian government in 2021.

It has been the subject of multiple incidents of vandalism since its inauguration. Shortly after its unveiling by then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, an attempt was made to remove its head in 2021. The statue was also reportedly vandalized with anti-Gandhi and anti-Indian graffiti in 2023 and 2024.