Mahatma Gandhi’s statue vandalised in London; India condemns ‘shameful act’

India strongly condemned the vandalism of an iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London on Monday, days before the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in London termed the incident as a “shameful act of vandalism” and said it has taken this up strongly with the local authorities.

“This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence, three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” it said.

The United Nations has designated Gandhi Jayanti, on October 2, as the International Day of Non-Violence.

“The Commission has taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” the post added.

The bronze statue, which depicts the Father of the Nation in a seated meditative pose, was discovered daubed with some disturbing graffiti. 

The statue was unveiled in 1968 at the square as a nod to Mahatma Gandhi’s days as a law student at the nearby University College London.

The Metropolitan Police said they have started an investigation into the incident.

Earlier this year, a group of protesters had staged a protest in London during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom.

India had strongly condemned the “breach of security” and deplored the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements.