PTI, New Delhi: A statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, collapsed on Monday at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The 35-foot statue fell around 1 PM, drawing immediate attention from local authorities and prompting a full-scale investigation.
Details of the Incident
The statue, a significant tribute unveiled on Indian Navy Day, collapsed under unclear circumstances. Local officials and police rushed to the site to assess the damage and secure the area. The statue was a collaborative effort involving the state government and the Indian Navy, and its maintenance had been handed over to local authorities after the unveiling.
Investigation and FIR
According to the News18 An FIR has been filed against Jaydeep Aapte, the owner of M/s Artist Company, and structural consultant Chetan Patil. They are being investigated by the Malvan police for potential negligence or errors related to the collapse.
Official Statements and Response
The Indian Navy has expressed deep concern over the incident and has dispatched a specialized team to investigate. In their statement, the Navy assured that they, along with the state government and specialists, will determine the cause of the collapse and work on repairing and reinstalling the statue as soon as possible.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered an immediate probe involving officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Navy. Shinde described the incident as unfortunate and emphasized the statue’s importance as a symbol of Maharashtra’s heritage. He promised a thorough investigation and pledged to restore the statue.
Political Reactions
The collapse has sparked a political storm. Opposition leaders have criticized the state government for alleged negligence. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the BJP of rushing the project for political gain, leading to subpar construction. NCP’s Jayant Patil and AIMIM’s Assaduddin Owaisi also condemned the government, suggesting the incident reflects broader issues of corruption and mismanagement under the BJP.
Congress has weighed in, criticizing the BJP-led administration for what they describe as widespread corruption and poor infrastructure quality.
Future Plans and Actions
Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that a new statue will be erected at the same site. The government is committed to addressing the issues that led to the collapse and ensuring that the memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, is rebuilt to the highest standards.
The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity on the cause of the collapse and prevent similar incidents in the future. Both state and naval officials are working together to resolve the situation and honor the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
(With inputs from agencies)