Statue of Controversy: Shivaji Memorial Falls Flat in Just 8 Month after PM Modi inaugurated it.

The statue of Shivaji unveiled by Modi broken! When was it made? How much did it cost? Who made it? What action was taken? Get details…. 

The statue of Shivaji which collapsed in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra was built by the Indian Navy. The work of building the statue was given to the Artisan Company. In this case, an FIR has been registered against the contractor as well as the owner of the company that built the statue.

Mugdha Shinde | HENB | Mumbai | Aug 26, 2024:: The collapse of the 35-foot tall Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg has sparked a political uproar in Maharashtra, with opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP, demanding accountability from the Shinde government. An FIR has been lodged against the contractor and owner of the construction company responsible for the project. Here’s a summary of the developments in the case so far.

The Indian Navy commissioned the construction of the Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, entrusting the task to the Artistry Company. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue on December 4, 2023, during Navy Day celebrations. The statue, a tribute to the visionary leadership of Shivaji Maharaj, was installed within a historic fort in Maharashtra.

How much did the statue cost?

The installation of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue came with a price tag of Rs 3600 crore. On November 1, 2018, the Maharashtra Cabinet granted administrative approval for the project, sanctioning a total expenditure of Rs 3700.84 crore. This comprehensive budget encompassed various aspects, including site survey and investigation, as well as security arrangements by the police.

What action has been taken so far?

An FIR has been lodged against two individuals in connection with the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue: Jaydeep Apte, the contractor and owner of Artisan Company, and Dr. Chetan Patil, the structural consultant. The complaint alleges that both accused parties were negligent and responsible for subpar workmanship, potentially endangering the lives of people in the surrounding area.

Jaydeep Apte, a resident of Kalyan, and Dr. Chetan Patil, from Kolhapur, have been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 109, 110, 125, and 318 (3) (5), in connection with the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue. The complaint was filed by Ajit Patil, an assistant engineer and PWD officer, with the Sindhudurg police, alleging negligence and lapses in the construction of the statue.

The Navy sent a team for repairs

The Indian Navy has expressed grave concern over the damage to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue and has dispatched a team, in conjunction with state government officials and experts, to investigate the cause of the incident and implement necessary measures for prompt repair and restoration. This swift response follows an initial assessment by senior police and district administration officials, who visited the site to evaluate the situation.

Oppositions raised a voice against BJP’s corruption

The sudden collapse of the Shivaji statue, merely eight months after its unveiling by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. The statue’s swift deterioration has led to accusations of subpar construction, negligence, and potential corruption, casting a shadow over the prestigious project.

The opposition has accused the BJP-led government of perpetuating corruption and embezzlement, suggesting that these practices have become entrenched as a hallmark of their administration. This criticism comes on the heels of the recent Shivaji statue collapse scandal, which has further tarnished the party’s image. Previously, the BJP had faced allegations of embracing corrupt politicians from other parties, thereby creating a haven for the most corrupt individuals. Moreover, the party has been implicated in various high-profile scams, including the Dwarka Expressway scandal, Ayushman Bharat fraud, PM CARES Fund irregularities, and Coal Block Allocation anomalies, among others.
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__Inputs from Agencies.