MELBOURNE, 1 February 2026: The Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust, Rowville, has been missing for the last few days. The Bronze statue was inaugurated by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 12 November, 2021.
The statue was gifted by the ‘Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi.
Subsequently, within 24 hours of the Gandhi statue’s inauguration, it was vandalised, by unknown people.
Reliable sources say, the police was informed and the matter is being investigated. Police media-unit has been emailed by SAT to know details and a reply is awaited.
Victoria Police Statement (Received via email by SAT on 2 February, 2026, 8.44 am)
Knox Crime Investigation Unit are investigating after a Ghandi statue was stolen in Rowville on Monday, 12 January.
It is believed the statue was stolen by three unknown offenders from a charity on Kingsley Close about 12.50am.
Officers have been told the offenders used an angle grinder to cut the statue.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police warn scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the statue and report any suspicious activity to police.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Updates on 2 & 3 February, 2026.
Victoria Premier statement:
In response to media queries regarding Mahatma Gandhi statue in Australia, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal said:
“We strongly condemn the vandalization and removal of the Indian Community Gandhi Centre statue located at Rowville, Melbourne by unidentified people. We have strongly raised the matter with Australian authorities to recover the missing statue and hold the culprits accountable.”
Shri Randhir Jaiswal
Official Spokesperson
03 February 2026
