A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville has been stolen, prompting a police investigation and renewed concern within Melbourne’s Indian-Australian community.

The statue, which was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, was inaugurated on 12 November 2021 by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and holds significant cultural, historical and symbolic importance for the community.

Victoria Police confirmed on Monday that officers from the Victoria Police Knox Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the theft, which allegedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, 12 January.

Statue allegedly cut with angle grinder

According to a statement provided to The Australia Today, police believe the statue was stolen by three unknown offenders from the charity premises on Kingsley Close, Rowville, at approximately 12.50 am.

“Officers have been told the offenders used an angle grinder to cut the statue,” the statement said.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police warning scrap metal dealers to remain vigilant for anyone attempting to sell the bronze statue and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Anyone with information, CCTV footage or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A troubling history of vandalism

The theft has revived painful memories of earlier attacks on the same statue. Within 24 hours of its inauguration in November 2021, the Gandhi statue was vandalised by unknown individuals, prompting widespread condemnation across Australia and India.

At the time, the incident was reported to police and investigated, though no public arrests were announced. The vandalism occurred amid heightened tensions linked to Khalistan-related extremist activity, which has previously targeted Indian diplomatic missions, community spaces and symbols associated with India in several Western countries.

In earlier incidents in Australia and overseas, Khalistan supporters have attempted to damage or deface statues of Mahatma Gandhi, viewing them as symbolic targets despite Gandhi’s global reputation as an icon of non-violence.

In some cases internationally, offenders were caught attempting to cut through statues using power tools, a method that now bears similarities to the Rowville theft, though police have not confirmed any motive or ideological link in the current case.

Political condemnation and calls for accountability

The theft has also drawn condemnation from senior Victorian opposition figures, who have expressed solidarity with the Indian-Australian community and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland said the incident was deeply distressing and undermined the sense of safety multicultural communities should feel across the state.

“Our multicultural communities should feel safe and respected in every suburb of this state.

I stand with Victoria’s Indian community at this distressing time and urge anyone with information to assist Victoria Police in bringing those responsible to justice. The perpetrators must be held to account,” Mr Mulholland said.

He also extended support to community leaders and families unsettled by the theft, describing it as an attack on shared values of respect and inclusion.

“Crimes like this are an attack on all Victorians who value respect, inclusion and the strength of our diverse society,” he said, adding that the Liberals and Nationals “express our sadness at this act of cultural vandalism and offer our support to the vibrant Indian-Australian community”.

Local MP for Rowville, Kim Wells, said the theft and vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi statue was deeply upsetting for both the Indian-Australian community and the wider local population.

“This act is deeply distressing for our local Indian-Australian community and for all residents who value respect, peace and multicultural harmony,” Mr Wells said.

Liberal candidate for Rowville, Max Williams, also condemned the incident, saying it struck at the heart of community values.

“I know firsthand how much the Indian community contributes to our local area, and this attack on their culture and values has no place in Rowville,” he said.

Opposition figures also linked the incident to broader concerns about crime across Victoria, with Mr Mulholland and Mr Williams pointing to rising crime rates and calling for stronger action to protect community spaces and culturally significant landmarks.

Community concerns and calls for accountability

Leaders within the Indian-Australian community have expressed alarm that a statue representing peace, non-violence and democratic values has again become a target.

Community representatives say the incident goes beyond property crime, touching on issues of cultural safety, respect for multicultural heritage and the need to confront extremist intimidation, regardless of its source.

While Victoria Police have not publicly attributed the theft to any group or ideology, the use of an angle grinder and the statue’s previous history have intensified calls for a thorough investigation and greater protection of culturally significant public monuments.

Ongoing investigation

Police have confirmed that inquiries are continuing and that all lines of investigation remain open. Authorities are examining the possibility that the statue may have been stolen for scrap metal value, while also assessing whether it was a deliberate act of vandalism or intimidation.

The Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust has not yet issued a public statement, but sources say members are cooperating fully with police and assisting with enquiries.

As the investigation continues, the incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of cultural and community landmarks — and the enduring sensitivity surrounding symbols of peace in an era of global political polarisation.

For now, police say their priority remains the recovery of the statue and identifying those responsible.

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