Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Oct 27: Three individuals have been detained for questioning after the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar was found vandalised in the Bani area of Kathua district on Sunday.
Police said an FIR under sections 196 and 324(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered at Police Station Bani following a complaint about the desecration of the statue at Manjri Park.
Officials confirmed that three persons have been detained for their suspected involvement and further investigation is underway.
Sources said the newly installed statue was found damaged early Sunday morning, triggering protests by locals and Dalit community members who demanded strict action against those responsible.
However, officials did not rule out the possibility of the damage being caused by recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the region.
“We are examining both possibilities – damage by someone or by natural causes. If it is confirmed that the statue was vandalised, stern action will be taken,” an official said, adding that the statue has since been fully repaired and restored.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Congress leader and former Minister Yashpal Kundal condemned the act of desecration, calling it “not merely the destruction of the stone and metal, but an assault on the self-respect of marginalised communities and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.”
“Dr Ambedkar showed the path of equality and justice to the nation. Targeting his statue is a direct attack on those very ideals, and such acts will not be tolerated,” Kundal said.
He urged the administration to identify and punish those responsible for the desecration of the statue.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson and former Vice-Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes & Backward Classes Development Corporation, Balbir Ram Rattan, also condemned the act, terming the incident as shameful and a deliberate attempt by the divisive elements to disturb the peace, unity and social harmony in the region.
Calling the incident a well-planned conspiracy, Balbir said, “It appears to be handiwork of those who wish to sow hatred and discord among communities for their vested interests.”
Demanding immediate arrest and stern action against the culprits, Balbir Ram Rattan urged the administration to identify and arrest the offenders without any delay.
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