Mahatma Gandhi Statue Stolen from Indian Community Centre in Melbourne

February 3, 2026

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been stolen from outside the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, causing shock and sadness among the Indian community in Australia.

Statue Gifted by ICCR

The statue, which was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, was an important symbol of peace and heritage. According to reports, the theft happened around 12:50 am on Monday.

Police said three unknown people used an angle grinder to cut the 426-kg bronze statue from its base. Photos shared on social media showed that the statue was cut at the ankles, with only the feet left behind.

Police Issue Alert to Scrap Dealers

The Victoria Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the case. Police have also warned scrap metal dealers to stay alert and report anyone trying to sell a large bronze statue.

Santosh Kumar, a member of the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust, said the incident was partly recorded on CCTV and was reported the next day. He said a white van arrived and the people involved had their faces covered.

The statue was unveiled on November 12, 2021, by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. It was also vandalised within 24 hours of its installation.

Concerns Over Rising Anti-India Incidents

The incident has raised concerns as it comes amid a rise in anti-India activities in Australia. In recent years, Khalistan-linked groups have targeted Indian diplomatic offices and community places.

In July 2025, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia, near Melbourne, was vandalised with racist graffiti. Similar slogans were also found on nearby Asian-owned restaurants, leading to police investigations and strong community anger.