Netaji statue vandalised in Kolkata's New Alipore, police probe launched
Synopsis
Hours after West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced naming 294 health centres after Netaji and the state government revoked a BJP MP's top civilian award over alleged derogatory remarks about the freedom fighter, Netaji's statue in Kolkata's New Alipore was found with its right arm broken — a sequence of events BJP leaders say is 'very significant' and demands urgent answers.
Key Takeaways
The statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in New Alipore, Kolkata was found vandalised on 13 August , its right arm broken.
Police have launched a probe and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
The incident occurred in Ward No.
81 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation .
The West Bengal government on the same day withdrew the 'Banga Bibhushan' award given to BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray (Ananta Maharaj) over reportedly derogatory remarks about Netaji.
BJP Secretary Tarak Banerjee flagged the timing as 'very significant' and demanded strict legal action.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had on Wednesday announced naming health centres in all 294 Assembly constituencies after Netaji.
The statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the New Alipore neighbourhood of Kolkata was found vandalised on 13 August, with its right arm broken off, triggering a political storm in West Bengal just days before Independence Day. Police have launched an initial investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from cameras installed in the area.
What Happened
Local residents told authorities that the statue was intact as recently as Wednesday night, suggesting the vandalism occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The statue stands in Ward No. 81 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in the upscale New Alipore locality. No arrests have been reported so far.
BJP's Response and Demands
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and supporters rushed to the site upon learning of the incident. Tarak Banerjee, BJP Secretary for the Kolkata (South) organisation district, demanded an immediate probe and strict legal action against those responsible. Banerjee pointed to the timing of the incident, noting it followed an announcement by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday that health service centres across all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal would be named Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Seva Kendra. 'The sequence of events is therefore very significant. We demand a prompt investigation into who was involved in the incident and strict legal action against the culprits,' Banerjee said.
Political Backdrop: The Banga Bibhushan Controversy
The vandalism coincides with a separate but related political flashpoint. The West Bengal government on Thursday announced the withdrawal and annulment of the 'Banga Bibhushan' award conferred upon BJP Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray, also known as Ananta Maharaj, reportedly over derogatory remarks he allegedly made about Netaji. The back-to-back developments have sharpened the political temperature in the state ahead of Independence Day.
Adhikari's Earlier Warning
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had on Wednesday publicly warned that the state administration would not tolerate any derogatory comments about Netaji and that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences. The vandalism of the statue — occurring hours after that statement — has drawn sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who are calling for accountability and have said the matter will be escalated to the party's state leadership.
What Comes Next
Police are expected to file a formal case once BJP workers submit their complaint to the local administration. The investigation is likely to intensify given the proximity to 15 August and the charged political climate surrounding Netaji's legacy in West Bengal. Both the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP have long competed over the icon's political symbolism in the state.
Point of View
And just hours after CM Adhikari invoked Netaji's name in a high-profile scheme. Whether the sequence is coincidence or orchestration, it hands both sides a ready-made grievance. What is missing from the coverage so far is any independent verification of who carried out the act — and until that is established, the political blame game risks running well ahead of the facts.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Netaji statue in Kolkata?
The statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in New Alipore, Kolkata was found vandalised on 13 August with its right arm broken. Police have begun an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the area.
Where exactly is the vandalised statue located?
The statue stands in Ward No. 81 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in the New Alipore locality of Kolkata, West Bengal.
What is the Banga Bibhushan controversy linked to this incident?
The West Bengal government on 13 August announced the withdrawal of the 'Banga Bibhushan' award given to BJP Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray (Ananta Maharaj), reportedly because of derogatory remarks he allegedly made about Netaji. The statue vandalism occurred on the same day, heightening political tensions.
What did BJP's Tarak Banerjee say about the vandalism?
BJP Secretary for Kolkata (South) Tarak Banerjee said the sequence of events — CM Adhikari's Netaji-related announcement followed by the statue's vandalism — was 'very significant' and demanded an immediate probe and strict legal action against those responsible.
What had CM Suvendu Adhikari announced before the vandalism?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday that health service centres across all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal would be named Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Seva Kendra. He also warned that derogatory remarks about Netaji would not be tolerated.
