The Indian Navy has ordered an investigation into the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled on Navy Day last year.
In a late-night statement on Monday, the Navy said it had deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of the “unfortunate accident” and initiate steps to repair, restore, and reinstate the statue as soon as possible.
The 35-foot statue at the Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district collapsed around 1 p.m. on Monday.
“The Indian Navy notes with deep concern the damage caused this morning to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled on Navy Day on December 4, 2023, as a dedication to the citizens of Sindhudurg,” the Navy said.
“Along with the state government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statute as soon as possible,” it added.
Maharashtra Government On Rebuilding
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Maharashtra’s idol and vowed to rebuild the structure.
“The Indian Navy erected the statue and not the state government. The Navy itself prepared the design of the statue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our idol, and his statue is our identity. After hearing the news that the statue had collapsed, I contacted the District Collector, who told me that when the incident occurred, a gusty wind with a speed of 45 mph was blowing in that area, damaging the statue,” he said.
“I want to assure everyone that Navy officials will go there on Tuesday. Sindhudurg district guardian minister Ravindra Chavan, also the state public works minister, will also be reaching the spot. Naval officers and state government officials will inspect the memorial tomorrow. The work of rebuilding the full-length statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will start tomorrow itself. Once again, you will see Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue standing resplendent and strong in the same place,” CM said
Congress Blames Quality
Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) blamed the state government for the statue’s collapse earlier. They claimed the state officials made it in haste as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to inaugurate it. NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil said the state government paid little attention to the quality of work.
“It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue. The Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly,” he said.
–IANS
This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.
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