Ambedkar statue vandalism in Amritsar triggers outrage

“The incident of breaking the statue of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on Heritage Street of Amritsar is highly condemnable and no one will be forgiven for this incident. Whoever is responsible, he/she will be severely punished. No one will be allowed to break the brotherhood and unity of Punjab. Instructions have been issued to the administration to investigate it and take strict action against the culprits,” Mann posted on X.

Police arrested the accused soon after he climbed atop the statue using a ladder that had been put up for political leaders to pay floral tributes on Republic Day. After the politicians did so, the ladder was not removed and the youngster, Akash Singh of Dharamkot in Moga district, took advantage. He caused damage to the statue and the sculpture of the Constitution book.

The police said Akash Singh belongs to the Scheduled Caste. However, agitated members of Dalit organisations gathered at the site and started raising slogans against the police for failing to ensure the security of the statue of Ambedkar, who championed the cause of Dalits through education, legal rights and social reforms.