Breaking Cultural News: Bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi stolen from Australia Indian Community Center in Rowville, Melbourne. The statue, gifted by ICCR, was unveiled by PM Scott Morrison in 2021. Victoria Police started investigation.
Melbourne Gandhi Statue Theft: A news has come out from Rowville area of Melbourne, Australia, which has shocked the Indian community living there. The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre. This incident is not only being considered a theft, but it is also being called an attack on a cultural symbol.
Why was this statue of Gandhiji so special?
This statue was gifted by ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), New Delhi. It was unveiled on 12 November 2021 by Scott Morrison, the then Prime Minister of Australia. This statue was considered a symbol of relations, non-violence and peace between India and Australia.
Scroll to load tweet…
When and how did the theft happen?
According to initial estimates of the police, this theft took place on the morning of Monday, January 12. There was not much movement in the center when this incident occurred. Taking advantage of this, thieves stole such a heavy bronze statue.
What are the police investigating?
This case is being investigated by the Knox Crime Investigation Unit of Victoria Police. The footage of CCTV cameras installed nearby is being scrutinized and efforts are being made to find out who the thieves were and what was their motive.
Is it just theft or a message?
There is concern in the Indian community whether this was a theft done just for the sake of money or a deliberate step against Indian culture and Gandhiji’s ideas. Many people are considering this as a very serious matter. The Indian community has demanded that the culprits be caught soon and the statue be brought back safely. This incident has now become a topic of discussion not only in Australia but also in India.