Indian nationalist leader Gandhi’s statue in Dudu tehsil of Rajasthan, India was defaced by vandals on Monday with the name of Islamic State militant group written across it.
Messages in support of the extremist group were painted across the statue, threatening of terror attacks to be carried out on January 26, the Indian Republic Day.
The incident comes amidst National Investigation Agency’s nationwide raids, which has witnessed arrest of 14 suspected terrorists.
Police say an FIR has been launched and an investigation initiated.
“Efforts are being taken to ascertain the identity of the accused,” said the police.
Following the Pathankot attack, India has been on high alert. Security measures in the capital Delhi has been increased, with French President Francois Hollande being the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on Tuesday.
On 2 January 2016, a heavily armed group attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Four attackers and two security forces personnel were killed in the initial battle.
