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Mahatma Gandhi statue at SFU has head sawed off by vandals

Burnaby RCMP say the motivation for the vandalism isn't known, but other statues of the Indian icon have been defaced recently

File photo of an RCMP cruiser. Mounties are investigating a snowmobile collision that lead to the death of a 25-year-old Alberta woman.
File photo of an RCMP cruiser. Mounties are investigating a snowmobile collision that lead to the death of a 25-year-old Alberta woman. Photo by Postmedia file

It appears someone used a power tool to saw off the head on a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Simon Fraser University Monday night.

Burnaby RCMP were called around 8:30 p.m. after someone noticed the “deliberate act of vandalism” in SFU’s Peace Square, and investigators are canvassing for witnesses and surveillance video.

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“It is not yet known when the vandalism happened,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj in a news release, but “it’s believed a power tool was likely used.”

“Burnaby RCMP is aware that Gandhi statues have been damaged in other areas of Canada in the past,” said Kalanj. “Police are looking at all aspects of this incident, including the possible motivation.”

The Indian consulate in Vancouver condemned the act. “We strongly condemn (the) heinous crime of vandalizing the statue of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhi at SFU Burnaby campus,” the consulate general wrote on Twitter.

“The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

A statue of Gandhi was spray-painted with pro-Khalistan graffiti in Hamilton several days ago. In a similar incident last July, another statue was defaced in Richmond Hill, Ont.

Witnesses or those with information are asked to call Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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