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The recent collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg, India, has sparked a political controversy and led to criminal charges against the artist and structural contractor involved in its construction. The statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, crumbled on Monday afternoon, raising questions about the quality of its construction and the potential negligence of those involved.
Based on a complaint filed by the public works department (PWD), the Malvan police registered an FIR against artist Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil. The FIR alleges that the duo are responsible for attempt to murder and culpable homicide due to their role in the statue's collapse, which posed a potential risk to the public. While no arrests have been made yet, the police are investigating the matter and will rely on the findings of the forensic team and expert analysis to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The police investigation is focused on the quality of materials used and the construction techniques employed. Preliminary investigations have revealed the presence of rusted nuts and bolts in the structure, raising concerns about the quality of materials used and suggesting negligence during the construction process. The PWD has stated in the FIR that they transferred Rs 2.4 crore to the Navy for the construction of the statue, emphasizing the significant investment involved and the potential consequences of the collapse. The duo booked under the BNS sections face up to 10 years imprisonment if proven guilty.
Adding fuel to the political firestorm, Shiv Sena minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that the government plans to build a new, even larger 100-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj at the same location. This decision highlights the significance of the statue as a symbol of Maharashtra's history and the government's commitment to honoring the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The collapse of the statue has also led to further political tension, with the police booking Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik and two of his associates, Harishchandra Khobrekar and Mandar Keni, for vandalism at the local PWD office. This incident serves as a reminder of the potent political symbolism associated with the statue and the strong emotions it evokes among various political factions in the state.