Statue of Freedom Fighter Defaced in Belagavi Village, Police Launch Probe
Tension gripped Macche village in Belagavi taluk late on Thursday after residents discovered a black liquid smeared on the statue of revered freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna. The incident prompted immediate police action, with additional personnel deployed to the area as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Immediate Police Response and Investigation
Authorities were alerted by villagers who spotted the defacement early in the morning. Senior police officials, including City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase and DCP Narayan Baramani, personally visited the site to assess the situation. The police have registered a formal case at the Belagavi Rural police station and initiated a thorough investigation.
Forensic samples have been collected from the statue and sent for detailed analysis to determine the exact nature of the black substance. Initial speculation suggests it could be either black oil deliberately poured by miscreants or natural sap from a nearby ficus tree (locally known as basari gida). Police are examining all possibilities with an open mind.
Community Outrage and Political Reactions
The defacement has sparked sharp condemnation from various Kannada organizations and local residents. Deepak Gudaganatti, district president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction), strongly denounced the act and demanded swift identification and arrest of the culprits. He warned of potential protests if the investigation does not yield quick results.
A large crowd gathered at the statue site, expressing anger and concern over the incident. Residents noted that the 5-foot-tall black statue, installed just three years ago, had never faced such vandalism before. The timing is particularly sensitive, coinciding with Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti celebrations, adding to the community's unease.
Technical and Security Measures
Police have taken multiple steps to gather evidence and prevent further incidents:
- The statue was cleaned immediately after the discovery to remove the black substance.
- CCTV footage from a camera located approximately 10 meters away is being meticulously reviewed for any suspicious activity.
- Enhanced security patrols have been arranged around the statue, which stands under a ficus tree in front of the local town panchayat office.
Commissioner Bhushan Borase confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and assured the public that the investigation is progressing actively. All angles are being probed, including the linguistic sensitivities of Macche village and potential political motivations behind the act.
The incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance around public monuments dedicated to historical figures. Police continue to appeal for any information from the public that could aid in solving the case, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining communal harmony in the region.
