Mahatma Gandhi Statue in London Vandalised Ahead of Birth Anniversary

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London’s Tavistock Square was vandalised just days before his birth anniversary, prompting strong condemnation from the Indian High Commission.

The plinth of the bronze statue, which was unveiled in 1968 with support from the India League, was defaced with graffiti, according to photos circulating on social media. HT.com could not independently verify the images.

The Indian High Commission in the UK called the incident a “violent attack on the idea of nonviolence” and said it had raised the matter with local authorities. Efforts are underway to restore the statue to its “original dignity.”

In a post on X, the High Commission stated:
“@HCI_London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London. This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.”

October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, is observed internationally as the Day of Nonviolence. The site near University College London hosts annual floral tributes to commemorate Gandhi’s legacy.

Local authorities said they are investigating the incident. The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948.”