Three offenders used angle grinder to remove bronze figure

A shocking incident has rattled the Indian diaspora in Australia, as a revered bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi was stolen from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville. Victoria Police have launched a manhunt following the brazen theft, which officials believe involved the use of heavy machinery to dismantle the monument.

Investigators from the Knox Crime Investigation Unit revealed that the crime occurred during the early hours of January 12. According to initial reports, three unidentified individuals entered the premises on Kingsley Close around 12:50 am. The offenders reportedly used an angle grinder to sever the statue from its base before fleeing the scene with the bronze figure.

This specific Mahatma Gandhi statue theft has caused deep distress within the community, as the monument held significant cultural and historical value. The statue was originally a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi and was unveiled by former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in November 2021.

Law enforcement agencies are treating the matter with high priority. Police have issued a strict warning to local scrap metal dealers to remain vigilant. They are urged to report anyone attempting to sell large quantities of bronze or suspicious metal fragments that could be linked to the stolen icon.

Sadly, this is not the first time this specific monument has faced attacks. Just 24 hours after its inauguration in 2021, vandals defaced the statue, sparking outrage across both India and Australia. That incident occurred during a time of rising tensions involving extremist activities targeting Indian diplomatic missions.

While the investigation continues, the Indian community in Melbourne remains hopeful for the swift recovery of the statue. Police are urging anyone with CCTV footage or information regarding the suspicious activity on January 12 to come forward immediately.

Image Source: theaustraliatoday.com.au