Indian government urges Australia to ‘hold the culprits accountable’ over theft of Gandhi statue in Melbourne

India Urges Australia to "Hold Culprits Accountable" Following Melbourne Gandhi Statue Theft

Melbourne, Australia – The Indian government has strongly condemned the recent theft of a Mahatma Gandhi statue from a prominent park in Melbourne and has urged Australian authorities to "hold the culprits accountable." The bronze statue, a beloved landmark in the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative in Footscray, was discovered missing on Monday morning, sparking outrage and disappointment among the local Indian community and beyond.

The brazen act of vandalism has sent ripples of concern across diplomatic channels, with New Delhi making it clear that they view this incident with the utmost seriousness. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its dismay and emphasized the importance of the statue as a symbol of peace and non-violence.

"We are deeply saddened by the theft of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Melbourne," a spokesperson for the Ministry stated. "This statue was a cherished symbol of peace and non-violence, and its desecration is an affront to all who revere his legacy. We have conveyed our concerns to the Australian authorities and strongly urge them to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that the culprits are apprehended and held accountable for their actions."

The statue, which had been a fixture in the Goolum Goolum park for several years, was donated to the community as a gesture of goodwill and a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Australia. Its disappearance has left many feeling a sense of loss and disrespect.

Local police are currently investigating the theft and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist their inquiries. While no immediate motive has been established, authorities are exploring all possibilities. The statue, described as being approximately six feet tall and weighing a significant amount, would have required considerable effort and planning to remove.

Leaders within the Indian diaspora in Melbourne have voiced their anger and frustration. "This is not just the theft of a statue; it is an attack on the values that Mahatma Gandhi represented," said Rohan Sharma, a community leader. "We are a peaceful community, and we are deeply hurt by this act. We trust that the Australian police will do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice."

The incident has also drawn attention to the need for enhanced security measures for public art and cultural symbols that hold significance for various communities. Discussions are reportedly underway between the Indian Consulate in Melbourne and local authorities regarding protective measures for other Indian cultural installations.

The Australian government, through its own statements, has assured India of its commitment to resolving the matter. A spokesperson for the Victorian Government condemned the act as "disgraceful" and pledged full cooperation with the police investigation. "We are taking this incident very seriously. The removal of this statue is a deeply regrettable act, and we are working closely with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. We are also in contact with the Indian Consulate and will provide them with updates as the investigation progresses."

The hope now rests on a swift and effective investigation that will not only lead to the recovery of the cherished statue but also ensure that those responsible are brought to account, reinforcing the message that acts of vandalism against symbols of peace and goodwill will not be tolerated. The Indian government's firm stance underscores the importance they place on their diaspora and the global respect for Mahatma Gandhi's enduring message.