Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised day after Scott Morrison’s visit
Vandals have tried to cut off the head of a new Mahatma Gandhi statue just one day after it was unveiled by Scott Morrison.
Victoria
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Vandals have tried to cut off the head of a new Mahatma Gandhi statue in Rowville in a disgusting act that has left the Indian community reeling.
Police are investigating the vicious attack on the life-size bronze statue, which was unveiled outside the Australia Indian Community Centre on Friday.
An unknown number of offenders used a power tool to damage the figure between 5.30pm on Friday and 5.30pm on Saturday.
Scott Morrison, who attended the event on Friday, said it was disgraceful and extremely disappointing to see this level of disrespect.
“Australia is the most successful multicultural and immigration nation in the world and attacks on cultural monuments will not be tolerated,” the Prime Minister said.
“Whoever is responsible for this has shown great disrespect to the Australian Indian community and should be ashamed.”
Australia India Community Charitable Trust chair Vasan Srinivasan said they were saddened that someone would attempt to decapitate the statue within 24 hours of its unveiling.
“Whilst Mahatma Gandhi may not be a figurehead in the wider Australian community, his history is well known among all Indians,” he said.
“We are very happy that the statue is intact but the damage has been done.”
Opposition leader Matthew Guy, who also attended the launch, said it was “infuriating” to see the statue vandalised.
Mr Guy said Victoria’s Indian community had worked so hard through times of crisis, including the pandemic and bushfires, to help people in need.
“Mahatma Gandhi is a pivotal figure in world history and one that we should look up to,” he said.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Originally published as Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised day after Scott Morrison’s visit
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