NEW YORK– According to a representative for the US State Department, the attacks on Mahatma Gandhi statues have raised concerns, and law enforcement has been asked to investigate the events.  The report stated, "The Department of State is in constant contact with law enforcement partners and promotes investigations into these events."

On February 4, the Mahatma Gandhi statue in New York City's Union Square was damaged with black paint, after an attack on the Independence leader's statue in Washington on January 26, India's Republic Day.

The State Department and local authorities were contacted by India's Consulate General in New York about the defacement of the statue in the city. According to the embassy, New York Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein contacted to express his concern about the event.

The incident was also reported to the police department by the consulate, which was looking into it. "We are aware of the recent defacement of various Gandhi statues and have communicated our concern about these occurrences with our Indian counterparts," a State Department spokesman wrote.

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