SHOCKING THEFT
Mahatma Gandhi Statue Sliced And Stolen in Aussie Heartland
Vile Metal Heist or Hate-Fueled Vandalism?
Why Is the World SO Cruel?
Melbourne: In a gut-wrenching blow to peace lovers everywhere, brazen thieves have hacked away a massive 426kg bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi – the global icon of non-violence – from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne’s south-east suburbs.Police say the heartless crooks struck in the dead of night on January 12, using a screaming angle grinder to slice the beloved figure clean off at the ankles, leaving only the feet bolted to the pedestal like a grim reminder of what was lost. The 400+ kg icon, gifted by India’s government in 2021 and once inaugurated with fanfare, was then hauled away – likely chopped up for scrap metal cash.Was it just greedy scrap thieves?
Or something far uglier – targeted vandalism laced with hate? The Indian community is reeling, with past incidents of anti-Indian graffiti on the same site fueling fears this was no random grab. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has blasted the act, condemning the “vandalization and removal” and demanding Australia hunt down the culprits fast. Victoria Police have even put scrap dealers on high alert: “Don’t buy this Gandhi bronze – it’s stolen!”Community leaders are heartbroken. “This isn’t just theft – it’s an assault on peace, harmony, and everything Gandhi stood for,” one tearful member told reporters. CCTV caught glimpses of the three shadowy suspects at work, but the statue – a symbol adored by thousands – is gone, possibly melted down already.Why so mean is the world?
In 2026, when we should be building bridges, lowlifes are still tearing down symbols of goodness for a quick buck – or worse, out of spite. The Indian diaspora in Australia is calling for tighter security at cultural sites, while questions swirl: Was this pure greed… or did hate play a part?One thing’s clear: the theft has left a gaping wound in Rowville – and in hearts across the globe.
Police appeal: If you’ve seen anything suspicious, or know where this priceless piece of history ended up – speak up now.
The world needs more Gandhis… and a lot less cruelty.