In a significant development following the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg, authorities have arrested a key consultant involved in the statue's structural design. This arrest comes amidst growing pressure from opposition leaders and public outrage over the incident.
Arrest of Structural Consultant
Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the doomed statue, was taken into custody by Kolhapur Police on Thursday evening. Patil had been evading authorities since the statue's collapse on Monday, which has sparked both public outcry and political controversy. The arrest was made following the deployment of at least six probe teams from Kolhapur Police, Sindhudurg Police, and Thane Police.
Indian Navy's Statement
The Indian Navy has issued a statement regarding its involvement in the statue project:
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The Navy conceptualised and steered the project in coordination with the Maharashtra state government.
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The state government provided funding for the statue.
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To look into the collapse, a joint technical committee comprising representatives of state governments, technical experts, and Indian Navy officials is being formed.
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The Navy is still determined to help in any way it can to quickly restore, repair, and reinstall the statue.
Political Fallout
The incident has intensified political tensions in Maharashtra:
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Opposition parties, including the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), have accused the ruling government of corruption in the statue's construction. Protesters have been detained.
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Demands have been made for the resignation of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that corruption during construction led to the statue's collapse.
We have been detained for raising our voice for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, for Maharashtra's pride. But we will not be deterred. The Prime Minister must apologise for the insult to our icon. Jai Bhawani. Jai Shivaji. #माफी_मागा_मोदी @INCIndia @INCMumbai @INCMaharashtra @kharge… pic.twitter.com/BHJXlxFai0— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) August 30, 2024
Background of the Statue
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The 35-foot statue was inaugurated on December 4, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Navy Day celebrations.
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It was meant to honour the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime defence and security.
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The statue collapsed on August 26, 2024, sparking widespread criticism and calls for investigation.
For more on this, click Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Collapses One Year After Inauguration by PM Modi
As the investigation continues, authorities are still searching for sculptor Jaydeep Apte, who remains at large. The incident has raised serious questions about the quality of construction and oversight in high-profile projects, with potential implications for future monuments and public works in Maharashtra.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Sources
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