A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was defaced in Hyderabad's Kukatpally area on Monday night, sparking concern among local residents. Footage from the scene showed that the head of the statue had been removed and placed on the ground nearby.

Area residents expressed outrage over the desecration, calling it a deeply troubling act. Authorities from the Bachupally police department confirmed that an investigation was underway and assured the community that they were following several leads to identify the individuals responsible.

This incident comes shortly after a similar act of vandalism occurred in Hyderabad's Bowenpally area during Diwali celebrations. In that incident, a video went viral showing young men inserting a firecracker into a Gandhi statue’s mouth. Police in Bowenpally, along with community leaders, later instructed the individuals involved to apologize and adorn the statue with garlands as a sign of respect.