India strongly condemns vandalization of Gandhi statue in the U.S.

New Delhi: India on Saturday strongly condemned vandalisation of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in California, U.S.A. on Thursday.

In a statement here, the Ministry of External Affairs said the government strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice.

``On January 28, 2021, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Central Park in the City of Davis, California was vandalised by unknown persons. The statue was a gift to the City of Davis by the Government of India in 2016,'' it said.

Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. has taken up the matter with the U.S. Department of State for a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate action against those responsible for this despicable act.

``The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has separately taken up the matter with the City of Davis and local law enforcement authorities, which have initiated the investigations. The Mayor of Davis deeply regretted the incident and informed that they have initiated an investigation. Local Indian community organisations have condemned the act of vandalism. The US Department of State has conveyed that this act of vandalism is unacceptable and expressed the hope that perpetrators will be brought to justice as quickly as possible,'' the statement said.(UNI)