Mahatma Gandhi statue in London's Tavistock Square defaced by 'shameful' vandals as India demands action

India has demanded action against vandals who defaced a prominent statue of Mahatma Gandhi in central London.

The statue in Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, was defaced with the word “terrorists” among the black writing spray-painted on the monument.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian High Commission said it was “deeply saddened” by the “shameful act of vandalism”.

“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.

🚨Iconic Gandhi Statue at London's Tavistock Square Vandalised on Monday pic.twitter.com/fq8jY16C6p

— India & The World (@IndianInfoGuid) September 30, 2025

“@HCI_London has 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 bronze statue was unveiled to the public in 1968 as a tribute to Gandhi’s years as a law student at University College London.

Monday’s vandalism attack comes days before Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary on October 2, which is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council have said they are looking into reports of vandalism.