"This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack"
India has condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Tavistock Square, London, demanding “immediate action” against those responsible.
The bronze statue, unveiled in 1968, was found sprayed with graffiti, including the word “Terrorists” and references to Gandhi, Modi, and Hindustani.
Images on social media showed the vandalism, although the Indian High Commission did not share photos.
It said in a statement: “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.
“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 Commission called the act “shameful” and said the desecration represented more than damage to property, framing it as an assault on Gandhi’s philosophy of peace.
Officials confirmed they were working with authorities to ensure the monument is restored.
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council confirmed they are investigating the reports but have not identified any individual or group behind the act.
The bronze figure, created by Polish sculptor Fredda Brilliant with support from the India League, depicts Gandhi in a seated pose wearing robes.
The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948.”
@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 location is significant due to Gandhi’s time as a law student at University College London.
The statue and its surroundings have become a space for peace memorials.
A cherry tree commemorates victims of Hiroshima, a field maple marks the United Nations’ International Year of Peace, and a granite stone honours conscientious objectors.
These installations have earned Tavistock Square the title of London’s “peace park”.
His birth anniversary on October 2 is traditionally marked with floral tributes and hymns at the site. This year’s commemorations will go ahead amid renewed focus on protecting the statue.
This is not the first time Gandhi’s image has been targeted in the UK. In 2014, his statue in Leicester was vandalised, while more recent campaigns have called for the removal of Gandhi statues in parts of the country.
Loading ...