The police said that “grasping words” were sprayed on the Gandhi statue around 12:30 pm. at an address near Yonge Street and Highway 7, home to the Canadian Museum of Indian Culture.
Police said they are investigating the incident as hate-motivated.
In a tweet, the Indian consulate in Toronto called the incident “hateful” and said it has “deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada.”
“We are saddened by the desecration of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vishnu Temple in Richmond Hill,” the consulate said, adding that they had contacted the authorities.
Police are urging any potential witnesses to come forward so those responsible can be held accountable.
