Chandauli: Protests Erupt After Dr. Ambedkar Statue Vandalized in Tikarwapar; Administration Assures New Statue Installation

A tense situation unfolded in Tikarwapar, located within the Badhwal Khas Gram Panchayat of Sakaldiha Kotwali, Chandauli district, on Thursday night. Unidentified miscreants vandalized a years-old statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, leading to a massive protest by local residents on Friday morning. As news of the desecration spread through the Scheduled Caste settlement, hundreds gathered to demand immediate accountability.

Incident Details: Act of Mischief During Village Festivities

According to local residents, a wedding procession (baarat) had left the village on Thursday night, involving a significant portion of the community. Taking advantage of the reduced presence in the area, anti-social elements damaged the right hand of the statue. The discovery of the damaged idol the following morning sparked immediate outrage.

Protesters blocked local paths and raised demands for:

• The personal arrival of the District Magistrate at the site.
• The immediate installation of a brand-new statue in place of the damaged one.
• Strict legal action against the perpetrators.

Administrative Tact: Police and Revenue Teams Stabilize the Situation

Anticipating a potential law-and-order crisis, the Sakaldiha Police, along with the Station House Officer (SHO) of Dhina, Dilip Kumar Srivastava, rushed to the spot. Following instructions from SDM Kundan Raj Kapoor, the Naib Tehsildar also joined the mediation efforts.

Steps Taken to Restore Peace:

• Dialogue and Counseling: SHO Dilip Kumar Srivastava engaged with the agitated crowd, emphasizing that national icons belong to the entire country and deserve universal respect.
• Resolution Through Cooperation: The administration proposed the installation of a new statue by Friday evening. A collaborative funding approach involving officials and local representatives was agreed upon to expedite the process.
• Maintaining Order: While some “undesirable elements” attempted to escalate the situation by raising anti-administration slogans, the police successfully neutralized the provocation and maintained decorum.

Presence of Local Leadership

The site saw the presence of several local dignitaries and representatives, including Gram Pradhan Nandlal Yadav, Kanhari Pradhan Ashwani Srivastava, and Zila Panchayat members Ramesh Ram and Rakesh Ram, among others.

The community has reiterated its demand for a swift investigation to identify and arrest the miscreants. Currently, a heavy police presence remains in the area to ensure continued peace, and legal proceedings are underway.

Disclaimer: This news report is based on local ground reports and information provided by administrative officials. It is intended for informational purposes and to promote social harmony. For official confirmation, please refer to the formal police investigation reports.