India moves US admin over vandalism of statue of Gandhiji in California

NEW DELHI: India today condemned the vandalisation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Davis in California and took up the matter with the US, seeking appropriate action against those responsible for the "despicable act".

The statue, gifted by India, was vandalised at the city's Central Park on Thursday.

"The government of India strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice," the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said.

It said the Indian embassy in Washington has taken up the matter with the US department of state for a investigation and action against those responsible for it.

ALSO READ: Cong to go to Assam polls without CM candidate face: Jitender Singh

In a statement, the MEA said the US department of state has stated that the act of vandalism was unacceptable and hoped that the perpetrators would be brought to justice at the earliest.

"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," it said.

The MEA said the mayor of Davis has regretted the incident and informed that they have initiated an investigation.

"Local Indian community organisations have condemned the act of vandalism," the ministry said.