Villagers claim Ambedkar statue damaged for 3rd time in 3 years in UP's Etah

A statue of Dalit icon and Constitution architect Dr BR Ambedkar was found damaged in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district early Monday, triggering anger among villagers and prompting protests at the site, officials said. Villagers demanded the arrest of those responsible, while police and administrative officials assured them of an impartial investigation and strict action.

Police personnel have been deployed in the village as a precautionary measure. Officials said a case has been registered and the situation is being monitored.

According to villagers, some parts of the statue, installed outside Lalahat village, were found damaged. Some residents said this was the third such incident involving the same statue in the past three years.

Villager Vikas Kumar said similar incidents of damage to the statue had taken place earlier as well, and cases had been registered against unidentified persons. He said the recurrence of the incident for the third time had raised questions among villagers over security arrangements. The villagers have demanded immediate repair of the statue, installation of a strong iron grille around it and permanent security arrangements.

Etah Senior Superintendent of Police Elamaran G said strict action would be taken against those involved in tampering with the Ambedkar statue.

"No negligence will be tolerated at any level and those involved in the incident will not be spared," he said. Jaithra Station House Officer Sunil Kumar said police were gathering information about activities in the area, available CCTV footage and suspected persons. He said further action would be taken on the basis of the investigation findings.

The damage to the Ambedkar statue led to anger in the village, with residents pointing to earlier similar incidents and seeking stronger protection, while police said a case had been registered and personnel remained deployed in the area.