A statue of Mahatma Gandhi in central London was vandalised on Monday, just days before Gandhi Jayanti celebrations .
The incident took place at the monument in Tavistock Square, which depicts the Father of the Nation in a meditative seated pose. It was found defaced with disturbing graffiti.
Officials from the Indian mission rushed to the site and informed local authorities. Efforts are already underway to restore the statue to its original state.
The Indian High Commission in London condemned the act.
“The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London,” the mission said in a statement on X. It added, “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. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity.”
The statue was unveiled in 1968 with support from the India League. It has long been a focal point for Gandhi Jayanti commemorations in the UK. Each year on October 2, floral tributes are placed at the site, accompanied by Gandhiji’s favourite bhajans. The day also marks the International Day of Non-Violence as recognised by the United Nations.
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council said they are looking into the incident. The pedestal of the statue says: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948”, marking his historic link to London, where he studied law at University College London.
The incident took place at the monument in Tavistock Square, which depicts the Father of the Nation in a meditative seated pose. It was found defaced with disturbing graffiti.
Officials from the Indian mission rushed to the site and informed local authorities. Efforts are already underway to restore the statue to its original state.
The Indian High Commission in London condemned the act.
“The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London,” the mission said in a statement on X. It added, “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. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity.”
@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,…
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 29, 2025
The statue was unveiled in 1968 with support from the India League. It has long been a focal point for Gandhi Jayanti commemorations in the UK. Each year on October 2, floral tributes are placed at the site, accompanied by Gandhiji’s favourite bhajans. The day also marks the International Day of Non-Violence as recognised by the United Nations.
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council said they are looking into the incident. The pedestal of the statue says: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948”, marking his historic link to London, where he studied law at University College London.
You may also like
'Victim families are inconsolable': Venugopal on Karur stampede
Brits urged to stop paying common household insurance that's a 'waste of money'
Police arrest two after man killed in drunken clash at Kokapet
SEBI imposes Rs 2 lakh penalty on Swan Corp executive for insider trading violations
Ditch your average Christmas crackers for this £22 beauty alternative set worth £83
