Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi’s statue vandalised in London

Just days before the world observes Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London was defaced with anti-India graffiti on Monday.

The High Commission of India in the UK condemned the incident as a shameful act and an assault on the Mahatma’s enduring message of peace. “This is not just vandalism but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence, three days before the international day of non-violence,” the mission said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Officials from the Indian High Commission rushed to the site and are coordinating with local authorities to remove the graffiti and restore the monument to its original dignity.

The bronze statue, depicting Gandhi in a seated meditative pose, is a focal point for annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in London. The defacement, coming just ahead of the October 2 events, has sparked outrage among the Indian diaspora and peace activists alike.

The Metropolitan Police and the local Camden Council authorities stated that they are investigating reports of vandalism.