India Condemns Theft of Mahatma Gandhi's Bronze Statue in Melbourne
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding the theft of a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Melbourne, Australia. In an official statement, the ministry expressed deep concern over this act of vandalism and called for swift action from Australian authorities.
Official Statement from the Ministry of External Affairs
"We strongly condemn the vandalisation and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue located at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, by unidentified people," the MEA declared. The ministry further emphasized that it has strongly raised the matter with Australian authorities and urged them to take immediate steps to recover the missing statue and ensure the culprits are held accountable.
Details of the Theft Incident
The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. According to reports from Australia Today, the theft occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 12, involving three unidentified offenders. Police statements indicate that the perpetrators used an angle grinder to cut the statue from its base, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime.
Background and Significance of the Statue
The stolen statue holds significant cultural and historical value. It was a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and was inaugurated on November 12, 2021, by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. This act of theft not only represents a loss of property but also an affront to the shared cultural heritage between India and Australia.
India's Diplomatic Response and Next Steps
The MEA's condemnation underscores India's commitment to protecting its cultural symbols abroad. By raising the matter with Australian authorities, India is seeking:
- Immediate recovery of the stolen statue
- Thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the offenders
- Enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future
This incident has sparked concern within the Indian community in Australia and among diplomatic circles, emphasizing the need for greater protection of cultural artifacts.
