Mahatma Gandhi's Bust in Italy's Milan Vandalised by Khalistani Extremists

Milan: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi's bust was vandalised in Italy's Milan by Khalistani extremists just hours after its inauguration. The accused also wrote controversial slogans related to Khalisatni terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following the incident, local authorities claimed that the area was swiftly cleaned up in "record time". 

The incident happened just days ahead of the upcoming G-7 summit in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also participate. The 50th G7 Summit will be held on June 14 in Italy. 

According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, PM Modi will be travelling to Italy's Apulia tomorrow to participate in the summit at the invite of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Speaking about the incident, Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that the Indian authorities raised the matter of Mahatma Gandhi's status being vandalised before Italian officials. "Taken up the issue of vandalisation of Mahatma Gandhi's statue with the Italian authorities. Necessary action has been taken," he said.

Meanwhile, India's ambassador to Italy Vani Rao said, "The incident was in a town called Brindisi, which is in southern Italy. The Italian local authorities have taken action to clean up the pedestal of the bust. We have also taken up our concerns with them immediately. We have requested them to locate those who are responsible and take action against them under the local law."