Ambedkar statue vandalism triggers outrage, Mann warns of strict action

A day after the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, was damaged by a youngster on Heritage Street in Amritsar, sparking widespread outrage, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday condemned the incident and assured of strict action against the accused.

- HT Correspondent

AMRITSAR:

"The incident of breaking the statue of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar ji on Heritage Street of Amritsar is highly condemnable and no one will be forgiven for this incident. Whoever is responsible, he/she will be severely punished. No one will be allowed to break the brotherhood and unity of Punjab. Instructions have been issued to the administration to investigate it and take strict action against the culprits," Mann posted on X.

Police arrested the accused soon after he climbed atop the statue using a ladder that had been put up for political leaders to pay floral tributes on Republic Day. After the politicians did so, the ladder was not removed and the youngster, Akash Singh of Dharamkot in Moga district, took advantage. He caused damage to the statue and the sculpture of the Constitution book.