The statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in central London was defaced late Monday night, sparking outrage among the Indian community and human rights advocates. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway, with security footage being reviewed to identify those responsible.
In an official statement, the Indian High Commission said the incident was “not just an act of vandalism, but an insult to the universal values Gandhi stood for truth, peace, and nonviolence.” The Commission urged local authorities to take swift action and ensure such attacks are not repeated.
London police have increased patrols around the site, which has long been a place of remembrance for peace activists. Local residents expressed anger at the act, calling it a “cowardly attack” on one of history’s most iconic leaders.
Community leaders and organizations in the UK echoed calls for justice, emphasizing that Gandhi’s message of harmony remains deeply relevant at a time of global polarization. The attack has sparked renewed debate on the protection of cultural monuments across Britain.
The Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square, erected in 1968, has often served as a symbol of India’s contribution to world peace and as a gathering point for international solidarity movements. Its defacement is being seen as an attack on shared values rather than just a single community.
