Vandalised Ambedkar statue replaced in Satna after protests

Bhopal: Miscreants vandalised a statue of B R Ambedkar in Unchehra area of Satna district, triggering protests and a road blockade by locals seeking strict action.The incident occurred near Tikura Tiraha in Bharahata village along the Nagod-Unchehra road under Unchehra police station limits. The statue was found defaced and damaged on Friday morning, following which a large number of villagers staged a protest. The agitated locals blocked the Nagod-Unchehra road, disrupting traffic for around one-and-a-half hours.Police and officials managed to pacify the protesters, assuring them of appropriate action. The blockade was lifted after intervention by authorities. Officials said the vandalism was carried out during the night. The administration installed a new statue at the site by evening. Locals also alleged that there were prior threats to damage the statue. "We are also planning to get a boundary wall around the statue and also get CCTV installed there," sub-divisional magistrate, Nagaud, Sumesh Dwivedi told TOI.