Gandhi statue vandalised in London ahead of Gandhi Jayanti

A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square, central London, was vandalised on Monday, September 29, with the plinth daubed in spraypainted graffiti including the word "terrorists", authorities and Indian officials said. The incident occurred days before annual Gandhi Jayanti observances at the site on October 2, which mark the International Day of Nonviolence.

The High Commission of India in London condemned the defacement as "shameful" and said it had reported the matter to local authorities and deployed officials to the site to coordinate restoration. "This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence," the mission posted on social media, calling for immediate action to restore the monument's dignity.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Tavistock Square on Sunday evening after reports of criminal damage and that enquiries are ongoing. The force is treating the incident as racially aggravated; no arrests have been made. Camden Council also said it was looking into the reports and working with partners on a response.

The bronze statue, sculpted by Fredda Brilliant and unveiled in 1968, depicts Gandhi seated in a meditative...