Dr BR Ambedkar Statue Vandalised in Bahru Village, Kakori; Tension Erupts
Tension prevailed in Bahru village, located in the Kakori area, after miscreants vandalised the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar on Wednesday night. The incident sparked immediate outrage among the local community, leading to a significant protest and demands for swift action from authorities.
Villagers Discover Damage and Stage Sit-In Protest
The damage to the statue was first noticed on Thursday morning by children playing nearby. Upon discovering the vandalism, villagers quickly assembled in large numbers at the site. Angry over the incident, they raised slogans of "Jai Bhim" and staged a sit-in protest to voice their grievances and demand justice.
Police Response and Political Visits
Kakori police responded promptly, reaching the spot with a heavy force to control the situation and prevent any escalation. In a show of solidarity, former Union minister Kaushal Kishore and BJP MLA from Malihabad, Jay Devi, visited the village. They sat with the protesters, listened to their concerns, and assured them of strict action against the culprits.
Villagers' Demands and Assurances from Authorities
The villagers presented a list of demands to the authorities, including:
- Immediate installation of a new statue to replace the vandalised one.
- Construction of a boundary wall around the site to protect it.
- Installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.
- Permanent lighting in the area to deter future incidents.
- Arrest of the culprits responsible for the vandalism.
- Removal of a liquor shop located near the site, citing concerns over public order.
ACP Kakori, Shakeel Ahmad, addressed the villagers and assured them that a new statue would be installed soon. He also mentioned that teams had been formed to identify the accused, and additional police force was deployed to maintain control. The situation remained under control as authorities worked to address the community's concerns.