UK launches probe into defacing of Gandhi statue

The police on Tuesday said they were called to the iconic statue on Sunday evening as reports emerged about plinth being defaced with disturbing graffiti.

“The incident is being treated as racially aggravated and enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time,” read a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police. They have also appealed to the witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist the probe.

Confirming their involvement in the restoration work, the local Camden Council authorities said their cleaning teams were sent to the site to assess the damage.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in London called it a “shameful act” and an assault on Gandhi’s ideals.

Describing the event as a deliberate affront to the legacy of non-violence, the Indian High Commission, in a social media post, said, “We are deeply saddened and strongly condemn 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 non-violence, three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.”

The incident comes just days before Gandhi Jayanti. The day is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The mission said that its team was already coordinating with the local authorities to restore the monument to its original dignity.

The bronze statue, created by artist Fredda Brilliant, was installed in 1968 in Tavistock Square -- near University College, London, where Gandhi studied law -- and has since become a focal point for commemoration.

The square itself contains other memorials too -- a cherry tree in memory of Hiroshima victims, and a conscientious objectors stone -- making it an informal "peace garden".

Every year on October 2, people gather at the site to lay flowers, recite Gandhi’s favourite bhajans and reflect on his philosophy of nonviolence.

Beyond diplomatic condemnation, many in the Indian diaspora and the broader public have also expressed outrage over the incident. Some also called for enhanced protection of cultural and historical monuments in the UK, especially those with deep symbolic meaning.