Statue of Mahatma Gandhi Vandalized in California, India Condemns

Washington: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi in California was vandalised by unidentified persons on January 28.

The statue in the city of Davis in California state was gifted by the Indian government in 2016.

According to reports, the six-foot bronze statue was broken and ripped from its base inside a park, outraging Indian-Americans across the US.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was apparently sawed off at the ankles and half the face was severed and missing when it was found by a park employee.

Deploring the incident, the Indian external affairs ministry (MEA) condemned the act of vandalism and sought a thorough investigation into the matter.

"The government of India strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice," the ministry said in a statement.

"The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has separately taken up the matter with the city of Davis and local law enforcement authorities, which have initiated the investigations," it said.

It is to be mentioned that four years ago, there were protests by anti-Gandhi and anti-India organisations when the statue was installed by the council of Davis city.

The MEA said the Mayor of Davis has deeply regretted the incident and informed that they have initiated an investigation. "Local Indian community organisations have condemned the act of vandalism," the ministry said.

It is to mention that today in India, Martyrs' Day is observed to mark the death anniversary of the father of the nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

In 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse at one of his prayers meets. Godse, a nationalist, killed Gandhi by shooting at him three times from a close range.

On this day, the president, the vice president, the prime minister, the defence minister and the three Service Chiefs (Army, Air Force and Navy) lay wreaths made of multi-colour flowers at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi.

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