Statue of Jawaharlal Nehru Uprooted by Excavator in Assam's Cachar District
In a shocking incident late Monday night, unidentified miscreants allegedly used an excavator to uproot and remove a statue of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, at Poilapool in the Lakhipur sub-division of Assam's Cachar district. The act of vandalism occurred at a four-way junction in the Poilapool market area, a key commercial hub, and has triggered widespread outrage among local residents and political parties, particularly the Congress.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
According to sources, the statue was pulled down using heavy machinery and later taken away from the site. CCTV footage from a nearby shop purportedly shows a group of unidentified individuals operating an excavator to dislodge the statue before loading it onto a vehicle. The identities of those involved remain unknown as of now.
Police reached the spot promptly after being alerted and have launched a thorough investigation. A police official stated on Tuesday, "We are examining the CCTV footage and collecting other evidence to identify the persons involved. Necessary legal action will be taken." Security has been tightened in the locality to prevent any escalation while the probe continues.
Political Outrage and Historical Context
Former Silchar district Congress president Pradip Kumar Dey, along with party workers, lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Lakhipur police station, demanding immediate arrests. Dey revealed that the statue had been installed in the 1990s by former Assam minister and local MLA Dinesh Prasad Goala at the Poilapool junction.
Congress leaders have condemned the act as "deeply condemnable" and questioned how heavy equipment could be used in a public place without immediate attention. They alleged that the incident appeared premeditated and called for stringent action against the perpetrators.
Local Reactions and Tension
Several local organizations have also voiced their condemnation of the vandalism, joining the call for swift arrests. Tension prevailed in the area on Tuesday, though no untoward incidents were reported. The community remains on edge as authorities work to resolve the matter.
This incident highlights ongoing political sensitivities and the need for vigilance in protecting public monuments. The investigation is ongoing, with police focusing on the CCTV evidence to bring the culprits to justice.
