What Happened to the National Flag and Statues Near BJP MLA's Office in Ahmedabad?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad, Jan 22 (NationPress) A video that has gone viral on social media depicts the national flag and statues at Haribhai Godani Circle in Saraspur, Ahmedabad, being defaced with liquor bottles and brooms.
This circle is situated close to the office of Bapunagar BJP MLA Dinesh Kushwaha.
In the video, empty liquor bottles were seen hanging from the statues, while a broom was attached to the national flag and another flag at the location.
Despite Gujarat's strict prohibition on the manufacturing, selling, and consumption of alcohol, this incident raises concerns regarding local police and administrative oversight, especially since the circle is located on a public road frequently traveled by residents.
Reports indicate that the act was committed by unidentified individuals.
In response to the incident, MLA Kushwaha stated, "I was unaware of this situation. I will ensure it is thoroughly investigated."
After the video gained traction, Vishal Khanama, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad's North Zone, instructed a municipal team to assess the site.
The team swiftly removed the liquor bottles, brooms, and other objects from the statues and flags.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation confirmed that immediate action was taken to restore the area.
Officials noted that the Haribhai Godani Circle falls under the jurisdiction of the Gomtipur Police Station.
The Bapunagar Police have reportedly lodged a case and initiated investigations against the unidentified individuals involved in the act.
This incident is part of a worrying trend, following similar vandalism cases reported across the state in recent months.
In Ahmedabad's Khokhra area, a statue of B.R. Ambedkar was found damaged, leading to police action and public protests, with Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani joining the demonstrators.
In another incident in the Amraiwadi area, a public statue was also vandalized, prompting police intervention.
Similar cases have surfaced in Vadodara's Karelibaug area and other regions such as Rajkot and Surat, where public statues and installations were reported damaged or defaced, resulting in police complaints and restoration efforts by municipal teams.