Statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Desecrated in Rajkot Village, FIR Filed Against Mob
In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, an FIR was registered at the Aji Dam police station in Rajkot on Thursday for the alleged desecration and removal of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Sardhar village. The complaint, filed by Bipin Makwana, accuses a mob of 20 to 25 unidentified individuals, along with people dressed as monks, of trespassing and vandalism.
Details of the Alleged Vandalism
According to the FIR, the perpetrators allegedly entered the complainant's land behind a temple on Sardhar Haripar Road before 4:30 AM on Thursday. They uprooted the statue of Dr. Ambedkar, deliberately damaged it, and then dumped it in a nearby government wasteland compound. The act was described as premeditated and deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community.
The complainant was alerted at 6:04 AM by a call from a community member who discovered that the statue was missing. Witnesses reported waking up around 4 AM due to barking dogs and seeing the large group carrying the statue away. When witnesses shouted at the perpetrators, the group reportedly fled towards a nearby garden, leaving the damaged statue behind.
Accused Named in the FIR
The FIR specifically names Nityaswaruoop Dasji, Bal Mukund Swami, and Patit Pawan Swami as accused in the case. These individuals are alleged to have been part of the mob involved in the vandalism. The police are investigating their roles and whereabouts in connection with the incident.
Legal Action and Charges
Aji Dam police have registered a case under Sections 61 and 323 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to offenses related to property damage and assault. Additionally, charges have been filed under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, highlighting the communal and discriminatory nature of the act. Authorities have emphasized that such acts of vandalism targeting symbols of marginalized communities will not be tolerated.
The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify all individuals involved in the mob and gather evidence from the scene. Community leaders have called for swift justice to prevent such incidents in the future and maintain social harmony in the region.
