Shivaji statue: 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji collapses in Sindhudurg; Navy orders probe
The Navy acknowledged the “regrettable accident” and said in a late-night statement that it had dispatched a team to immediately investigate the cause and take steps to repair, restore and restore the statue as soon as possible.
On August 26, around 1 p.m., the 35-foot-high statue at Rajkot fort in Sindhudurg district collapsed.
“The Indian Navy notes with deep concern the damage caused this morning to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was unveiled on Navy Day on December 4, 2023 as a dedication to the people of Sindhudurg. The Navy, along with the state government and concerned specialists, has dispatched a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps for repair, restoration and re-installation of the statue at the earliest,” it said.
Officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) will visit the construction site on Tuesday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.
Besides, the local police have filed an FIR against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil following the collapse of the 35-foot-high Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg. The FIR has been registered under sections 109, 110, 125, 318 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Embarrassment for the Shinde government?
After the collapse of a statue that caused great embarrassment to the state government, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has promised to rebuild the statue. Shinde stated that the statue was originally designed and built by the Indian Navy.
“The wind was blowing at a speed of 45 kilometers per hour, causing the statue to fall. It is very unfortunate that the statue fell as it was designed and built by the Navy,” he said.
He further assured: “Our Minister for Protection (Ravindra Chavan) has arrived at the site to take stock of the situation. We will rebuild the statue even more sturdily. Naval officers will also participate in the reconstruction work.”
Opposition criticises BJP-Shinde faction
The collapse of the Maratha warrior’s statue sparked criticism from opposition parties, who attacked the state government for its poor infrastructure.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi attacked the BJP, saying the collapse was a reflection of the poor quality of infrastructure built by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav noted that every construction project undertaken by the BJP falls victim to corruption.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar said that a 30-meter-high statue would be erected in its place.
He also said that he would speak to the Prime Minister and his deputy and have all estimates ready.
“I have not been there yet. But I must say that this statue was constructed there by the Navy. They said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the first Navy king and they constructed the statue in his honour. It is sad but now good things will happen. There was a demand from the people that a 100-foot-high statue should be constructed here. I will also speak to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and we have the estimates ready for the construction,” Kesarkar said.
He added: “If this statue is now broken, then a 30-meter-high statue should be erected in its place. That is my opinion.”
