Punjab BJP Delegation Urges Investigation into Ambedkar Statue Vandalism
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On January 29, BJP leaders met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, demanding an independent investigation into the vandalism of B.R. Ambedkar's statue and an attempted arson of the Constitution sculpture in Amritsar on Republic Day, claiming it reflects a larger conspiracy against communal harmony.
Key Takeaways
- BJP leaders demand independent investigation into statue vandalism.
- Incident seen as part of a larger conspiracy to incite unrest.
- Concerns raised about state machinery's involvement.
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann condemns the act and promises action.
- Suspect arrested shortly after the incident.
Chandigarh, Jan 29 (NationPress) A group of senior BJP leaders convened with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday, urging for an inquiry by an independent agency into the vandalism of B.R. Ambedkar's statue and an attempted arson of the stone sculpture of the Constitution in Amritsar on Republic Day.
The delegation expressed to the Governor that this event is indicative of a broader plot aimed at fomenting unrest and exacerbating communal tensions within Punjab.
They emphasized, “It is critical to reveal the true intentions and the masterminds behind this disgraceful act, along with identifying those who may have orchestrated it for political gain,”.
Arguing for an independent investigation, separate from state government oversight, the BJP leaders pointed out that the site of the incident was located a mere 100 meters from the local police station.
They raised concerns about the likelihood that such a reprehensible act could not have occurred without the complicity of state authorities and the involvement of the ruling AAP government in Punjab.
The delegation included notable figures such as former Cabinet Minister Manoranjan Kalia, ex-Union Minister Som Prakash, former MP Sushil Rinku, BJP Punjab's core group member Kewal Dhillon, and party General Secretary Anil Sarin, among others.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly condemned the desecration of Ambedkar’s statue and pledged to take rigorous action against those responsible.
In a statement on X on Monday, CM Mann affirmed that “no one will be spared, and severe actions will follow.”
The vandalism occurred on the evening of January 26, when a man defaced the statue located on Heritage Street near the Golden Temple complex.
He was apprehended shortly after a video of the act circulated widely.
According to police reports, the suspect, identified as Akashdeep Singh, is from the Scheduled Caste community.
The individual employed a hammer to damage the statue and ignited the stone-carved Constitution book using flammable materials. He accessed the statue’s apex by utilizing a ladder.
