MEA Demands Action After Gandhi Statue Theft in Melbourne
MEA Demands Action After Gandhi Statue Theft in Melbourne
India condemns the theft of Mahatma Gandhi's bronze statue in Melbourne, urging Australia to recover it and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the theft of Mahatma Gandhi's bronze statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne and urged Australian authorities to take immediate action to recover the sculpture and hold the culprits to account.
The statue, a bronze tribute gifted to Australia in 2021, was cut from its base, leaving only the feet, according to local reports. Police have advised scrap dealers to be vigilant about anyone attempting to sell the sculpture, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
India has raised the matter with Australian authorities, pressing for a swift investigation and clear accountability for those responsible. The government’s response underscores the importance of safeguarding cultural artifacts and the ongoing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
As investigators continue to search for leads, observers note the incident’s potential implications for the protection of cultural symbols and the message it sends about respect for shared history between India and Australia.
