Madhya Pradesh: Individual Vandalizes Ambedkar Statue; Authorities Cite Mental Health Issues
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Synopsis
In Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, a man defaced a statue of B. R. Ambedkar, leading police to arrest him for his actions, citing mental instability. The incident has sparked protests from the Bhim Army.
Key Takeaways
- Individual vandalized Ambedkar statue in Sidhi.
- CCTV footage captured the incident.
- Suspect identified as Ravendra Singh Chouhan.
- Police report mental health issues as a factor.
- Bhim Army staged a protest following the defacement.
Sidhi, April 7 (NationPress) A statue of B. R. Ambedkar was vandalized by an individual in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, as reported by police on Monday.
According to an official statement, the act took place on Sunday when a middle-aged man approached the statue located at a busy square in the city, applying red paint and some food items to the statue's face.
CCTV footage released by the Sidhi District Police on their official 'X' account showed a man with a small bag climbing onto the platform where the lifelike statue of Ambedkar is situated, applying the color, and then leaving the scene in under two minutes.
This statue is positioned in one of the busiest squares, situated just 200 meters from the Sidhi district headquarters (collector office) and the district court.
The incident was reported after a local resident lodged a complaint at the City Kotwali. Following this, police conducted a search and arrested the individual seen in the CCTV footage from a village under the Jamodi police station, approximately 20 km from the location.
The arrested individual has been identified as Ravendra Singh Chouhan, who is believed to be slightly mentally unstable.
During questioning, Chouhan admitted to his actions, stating: “The accused Ravendra Singh Chouhan, who is mentally unwell, smeared food items on the statue and applied sandalwood paste. A police team quickly arrived at the scene and ensured the statue was cleaned. He has confessed to the act, and further legal actions are in progress,” said Pushpendra Mishra, the police station in-charge.
Mishra also mentioned that family members and villagers indicated that Chouhan has been experiencing mental health issues for several years.
When local media asked Chouhan why he defaced Ambedkar's statue, he replied: “Wo (Ambedkar) bade aadmi hai and achhe aadmi hai. Maine chandan layaya hai unko aur wahi chandan apne ko bhi lagaya hai.” (He is a good and great person. I have placed sandalwood on his forehead, and the same on my forehead.)
A group of Bhim Army members protested against the incident on Monday, but police swiftly managed to control the situation.
