Statue of Chhattisgarh Mahatari Vandalized in Raipur Ahead of State Festival: Clash Between Police and Protesters

 During the unrest, police took Amit Baghel, head of the Johar Chhattisgarh Party, and several members of the Kranti Sena into custody. Demonstrators described the incident as an attack on Chhattisgarh’s pride and cultural identity, with some visibly crying at the site.

Details of the Incident

The statue, located near the Ram Mandir at VIP Chowk, was forcibly removed from its base, and the head of the idol was broken. Police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the culprits. The area was cordoned off to preserve evidence.

Officials confirmed that senior officers, including Additional SP Rural Kirtan Rathore and Civil Line CSP Ramakant Sahu, were present at the site during the investigation.

Political Reactions

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai vowed that the perpetrators will face strict action, saying no one will be spared. Former CM Bhupesh Baghel, however, raised questions on social media, suggesting that the act might be linked to the ruling BJP’s administration. He warned that ignoring public outrage could have consequences and emphasized that attacks on the state’s heritage are unacceptable.

The Congress party also criticized the BJP government, claiming that the state’s cultural pride is at risk. Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal demanded the public humiliation of the offenders and proposed erecting a 36-foot replacement statue as restitution.

Protests and Police Response

Members of the Kranti Sena staged a protest at the site, demanding immediate action. Tensions escalated when police attempted to take protesters into custody. Reports suggest that while the police tried to enforce detention, some leaders voluntarily submitted themselves, highlighting the symbolic importance of the act for the community.

Authorities cited Section 298 of the Indian Penal Code, under which harming religious symbols or insulting a community is a criminal offense.

Public Sentiment

The incident has deeply angered residents of Raipur and the wider Chhattisgarhia community. Bhupesh Baghel described the vandalism as “an insult to the people and heritage of Chhattisgarh” on the state’s silver jubilee of formation. Demonstrators insist that such acts of desecration are intolerable and demand swift action against the offenders.