Repeated Desecration Sparks Outrage

The local community is particularly agitated because this is the second time the statue has been targeted in less than a month:

1. First Incident (April 26-27): Unknown individuals broke the spectacles on the statue and littered the surrounding area. At that time, social organizations cleaned the premises and replaced the spectacles, choosing to maintain peace.
2. Second Incident (May 9-10): Vandals struck again, breaking the spectacles for a second time. More significantly, they tore down a board displaying the Preamble to the Indian Constitution and scattered filth around the site.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following a formal complaint filed by the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sabha Ratia and representatives of the local community, the Ratia police have registered an FIR against unknown perpetrators.

• FIR Registered: Case has been filed under relevant sections regarding the deliberate intent to hurt social sentiments and cause public mischief.
• Search for Suspects: Police have initiated a search for the culprits and are reportedly scanning CCTV footage from the vicinity of the school to identify the anti-social elements involved.

Demands for Enhanced Security

The recurring nature of these incidents has led to a call for better protection of public monuments.

• Security for National Icons: Various social organizations have petitioned the administration to ensure the safety of statues of national icons in public spaces and school campuses.
• Call for Strict Punishment: Community leaders have demanded the swift arrest of the offenders to serve as a deterrent and prevent future attempts to incite social disharmony.

Conclusion

The vandalism in Ratia is seen by many as a calculated attempt to disturb social peace. While the police investigation is underway, the local community remains vigilant, emphasizing that the respect for constitutional symbols and national leaders is paramount to maintaining the democratic fabric of society.

Disclaimer: This report is based on details from the police complaint and local news updates from Fatehabad. The objective is to provide factual information. Final details regarding the perpetrators will be confirmed following the official police investigation.

The post Vandalism at Dr. Ambedkar Statue in Ratia: Case Registered for Desecration and Damage appeared first on Mission Ki Awaaz.

The Incident: Eyewitness Account

The shameful act occurred on the intervening night of April 23 (Wednesday and Thursday). Miscreants targeted a dedicated platform in Kansuli village where statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Lord Buddha were installed.

A local boy, who witnessed the act, informed the villagers that an unidentified man wearing a white shirt, half-trousers, and a white scarf (gamcha) covering his face was responsible for the destruction. The vandal pushed the statue of Dr. Ambedkar off its pedestal and threw the statues of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule far from the platform. Interestingly, the statue of Lord Buddha remained untouched.

Political Stir: Congress Seva Dal Demands Action

The perceived administrative lethargy has triggered political protests. On Wednesday, a delegation of the Congress Seva Dal, led by District President Jitu Barve, submitted a memorandum to Joint Collector Pradeep Kaurav.

Jitu Barve expressed his concerns, stating:

“This is not merely an act of vandalism; it is a calculated conspiracy to incite social and communal disharmony in the region. The fact that the police have made no progress despite having a description of the suspect is a serious lapse in governance. We demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA).”

Administrative Silence vs. Public Fury

The complainant, Pratima Nagdeve, has reportedly provided the police with names of certain individuals who were previously involved in disputes regarding the statue site. However, Lanji police officials have remained tight-lipped, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.

Followers of the social reformers have warned that if the investigation continues to stall, they will be forced to launch a large-scale public agitation. While the administration has offered assurances of a fair probe, the lack of ground-level results has only added fuel to the fire.

The post Balaghat: Outrage Over Vandalism of Social Icons in Kansuli; Police Fail to Make Arrests Even After a Week appeared first on Mission Ki Awaaz.