FIR lodged against contractor for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue's collapse
A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Jaydeep Apte, the contractor responsible for the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, collapsed on Monday after just eight months. Structural consultant Chetan Patil is also named in the FIR under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Charges include collusion, fraud, and endangering public safety
The charges leveled against Apte and Patil include collusion, fraud, and endangering public safety. These allegations were made following a complaint by the Public Works Department (PWD), which claimed that the statue's construction was substandard. The PWD further alleged that rusted nuts and bolts were used in the structure, contributing to its collapse.
Warnings about statue's condition were ignored
Despite warnings from local citizens, tourists, and an assistant engineer of the Malvan division of the PWD about the deteriorating condition of the statue, no preventive measures were taken. Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Ravindra Chavan confirmed that "the steel used in making of the statue had started rusting." He added that despite informing Navy officials about this issue and requesting action, no steps were taken to address it.
Indian Navy and state government to investigate statue's collapse
The Indian Navy, which was tasked with erecting the statue and its pedestal has said that it will investigate the cause of the collapse. In a joint effort with the state government and concerned specialists, they aim to "repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," reports said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the incident to strong winds blowing at a speed of 45km per hour.
Opposition hits out at government
The opposition has criticized the government for its alleged negligence in the matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray accused the Shinde government of prioritizing political gain over quality in the construction of the statue and pedestal. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule called for an in-depth inquiry into the incident, stating that "contingencies like rain and wind should have been taken care of."
May's Mumbai billboard collapse
To recall, in May, a metal billboard—allegedly installed illegally opposite a petrol station in Ghatkopar—came crashing down, trapping several people under it. Sixteen people were killed and 75 others were injured in the billboard collapse. Over 100 notices and penalties were issued against Mumbai businessman Bhavesh Bhinde, whose company installed the billboard. Additionally, Mumbai police had registered a case against Bhide, and others at Pantnagar police station under sections 304, 338, 337, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
