Investigation into Racially Aggravated Damage to Gandhi Statue in London

London, Sep 30 (PTI) — The Metropolitan Police in London announced on Tuesday that they have initiated an investigation into the criminal damage inflicted upon the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square, an act considered "racially aggravated" by authorities.

Police were called to the historic statue on Sunday evening following reports of defacement with concerning graffiti, an act sharply denounced by the Indian High Commission in London as a "violent attack." A statement from the Metropolitan Police indicated, "We have commenced an investigation into reports of criminal damage to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square Gardens, Camden," while adding that the matter is under ongoing investigation with no arrests made so far. Authorities have appealed for witnesses to provide any information that may facilitate the probe.

The Camden Council confirmed that cleaning teams were dispatched to the site to evaluate the damage and initiate restoration work. The Indian High Commission in the UK reacted on Monday by condemning the vandalism as an affront to Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, particularly poignant with Gandhi Jayanti approaching on Thursday.

"The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and condemns the disgraceful vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square," the mission communicated via social media. "This is not mere vandalism but a violent affront on the principle of non-violence, just days ahead of the International Day of Non-Violence, tarnishing the Mahatma’s legacy. We have actively engaged local authorities for prompt action, with our team already on-site, collaborating with officials to restore the statue’s dignity," the statement emphasized.

Gandhi Jayanti, acknowledged as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is annually observed with floral tributes and Gandhiji’s beloved bhajans at the London monument on October 2. The bronze statue—backed by the India League—was unveiled in 1968 at the square as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s tenure as a law student at the neighboring University College London. The sculpture captures Gandhi in a meditative posture, with the base inscribed, "Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948."

Over time, Tavistock Square Gardens has evolved into a sanctuary known as a peace park and a tranquil space for reflection, prominently featuring the Gandhi statue amidst cherry trees that remember Hiroshima’s nuclear bombing victims. It stands as one of two memorials hosting the annual Gandhi Jayanti ceremonies in London, with the second, newer bronze statue situated at Parliament Square overlooking the Palace of Westminster.

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