Ambedkar’s statue vandalised in Buxar village; probe underway

Buxar: Miscreants vandalised a newly installed statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar at Harpur village under Rajpur police station area in Buxar district on Wednesday night, triggering outrage and tension in the area. The statue was installed on April 14 to mark Ambedkar’s birth anniversary during a function attended by villagers and local representatives.The incident came to light on Thursday morning when villagers reached the site to offer prayers and found the statue damaged. Vandals had broken one of the statue’s fingers and spectacles, causing partial damage. The news spread quickly, drawing a large crowd to the spot, who staged a protest against the incident.On receiving information, a team from Rajpur police station reached the village and pacified protesting residents, who demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Locals alleged the act was a deliberate attempt to disturb social harmony.Condemning the incident, village sarpanch Phutuchand Singh said vandalising Ambedkar’s statue was a cowardly attempt to disrupt unity and peace, and demanded strict action against the culprits.Rajpur SHO Niwas Kumar said additional police forces have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order. “The matter is being investigated from all angles, and the accused will be identified and arrested soon,” he said.