Mahatma Gandhi Statue Stolen from Melbourne's Indian Community Centre

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from outside the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The statue, a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), was of significant cultural and historical importance for the Indian community in Australia.

The theft took place at approximately 12:50 am on Monday, as reported by Australia Today. Police stated that three offenders used an angle grinder to cut the 426-kilogram statue from its foundation, leaving just the feet behind. Photos on social media showed the statue had been severed at its ankles.
 

The Victoria Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit is actively investigating the case. Officers have issued a warning to scrap metal dealers to be alert to any attempts to sell the stolen bronze statue and urged them to report suspicious activity immediately.

Santosh Kumar, a member of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust, mentioned that the crime was partially captured on CCTV, and the authorities were informed the next day. The statue had previously been vandalized within 24 hours of its unveiling.

The statue was inaugurated on November 12, 2021, by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.