MELBOURNE / NEW DELHI – In a move that has sparked diplomatic tension and community outrage, the Government of India has issued a stinging condemnation following the brazen theft of a life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Melbourne.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally raised the matter with Australian authorities, urging “immediate action” to recover the missing monument and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Heist: An Angle-Grinder Attack
According to Victoria Police, the theft was an “audacious and planned” operation that occurred at approximately 12:50 AM on January 12, 2026.
Key Investigation Details:
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The Culprits: CCTV footage shows three unknown offenders clad in balaclavas arriving in a white van at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville.
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The Method: The thieves used a heavy-duty angle grinder to sever the 426-kilogram bronze statue from its concrete foundation, leaving only the bronze feet behind.
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The Motive: While police are investigating all leads—including ideological vandalism—they have warned scrap metal dealers to be on high alert, fearing the statue may be melted down for its metal value.
A Symbol of Shared Ties
The statue was more than just a landmark; it was a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi. Inaugurated in November 2021 by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, it served as a permanent symbol of the “peace and unity” shared between the two nations.
“This is not just property crime; it is an attack on a national leader and a global icon of non-violence,” said Santosh Kumar, a committee member of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust.
History of Vandalism
This is not the first time the monument has been targeted. The site has been a flashpoint for tensions:
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Nov 2021: Within 24 hours of its original unveiling, vandals attempted to decapitate the statue with power tools.
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Geopolitical Context: MEA officials have previously noted a rise in anti-India sentiment in Australia, often linked to extremist elements targeting diplomatic and community spaces.
| Metric | Details |
| Weight | 426 Kilograms (Bronze) |
| Location | Kingsley Close, Rowville, Melbourne |
| Investigation Unit | Victoria Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit |
| Official Protest | Issued by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal |
The Diplomatic Push
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on February 3 that India has “strongly raised the matter” with Canberra. The Australian Indian community has expressed a deep sense of vulnerability, with local leaders calling for enhanced security around multicultural landmarks.
