Violence Erupts in Amethi Village Over Removal of Unauthorized Ambedkar Statue
Lucknow: Tension gripped Narharpur village in Amethi district after the local administration demolished a platform housing a statue of BR Ambedkar, citing unauthorized construction on public land. The situation quickly turned violent, with villagers resorting to stone-pelting that left four police personnel injured. In response, authorities have initiated a crackdown, lodging an FIR against 64 individuals and arresting nine so far.
Root of the Dispute: Land Designated for Animal Carcass Disposal
The conflict originated over a plot of land officially recorded as reserved for the disposal of animal carcasses. According to officials, some villagers allegedly constructed a platform and installed the statue of Ambedkar without authorization. Acting on complaints, a revenue team conducted a survey and confirmed the construction was illegal, leading to the platform's demolition and the statue's relocation to a secure location.
Escalation and Violent Clashes
However, tensions flared again on Saturday when residents reportedly reinstalled the statue at the same spot. Upon receiving this information, Station House Officer Krishna Mohan Singh arrived with police and revenue officials to remove the encroachment using an earth mover. As the operation progressed, villagers began pelting the police team with stones, resulting in injuries to the station in-charge, an outpost in-charge, a woman constable, and another policeman. Several villagers were also hurt in the clash.
Police used mild force to disperse the crowd and restore order. Senior officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashish Singh, rushed to the scene with additional forces from nearby police stations. The injured personnel were taken to a community health center for treatment.
Legal Actions and Investigations Underway
Superintendent of Police Sarvan T stated that an FIR has been lodged against 14 named and 50 unidentified individuals. Several suspects have been detained, with at least nine arrests made to date. Police are also examining video footage of the incident to identify others involved. He emphasized that the site where the statue was installed is public property and had been encroached upon by a few villagers.
Allegations and Denials from Village Heads
Allegations have surfaced regarding the role of the current and former village heads in facilitating the construction. Former village head Reena Kori has denied any involvement, claiming that signatures on documents related to the statue installation were forged.
Heightened Security and Official Assurance
Heavy police deployment has been made in the village as a precautionary measure. Officials have assured strict action against those involved, reiterating that no unauthorized construction will be permitted on public land. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over land use and religious symbols in the region, with authorities vowing to maintain law and order while addressing community grievances through legal channels.
