Ambedkar Statue Desecrated In Chittoor District, Protests Erupt
Flames started around the statue’s base, which had reportedly been doused with petrol. Villagers rushed to extinguish the fire, but not before parts of the statue got charred: Residents
TIRUPATI: Unidentified miscreants set on fire a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Devalampeta village in Vedurukuppam mandal of Chittoor district during the early hours of Friday, triggering widespread tension in the region.
Residents said flames started around the statue’s base, which had reportedly been doused with petrol. Villagers rushed to extinguish the fire, but not before parts of the statue got charred.
The incident sparked protests in several hamlets across Vedurukuppam and neighbouring mandals. Demonstrators blocked roads leading towards Puttur, Pallipattu and Kothapallimitta, demanding that those responsible be traced and arrested immediately. Traffic movement on rural stretches came to a standstill for hours.
Police contingents have been deployed in Vedurukuppam, Karveti Nagaram and S.R. Puram mandals, falling under the Gangadhara Nellore Assembly constituency.
District collector Sumit Kumar and SP Tushar Dudi reached Devalampeta and interacted with community leaders, urging them to maintain peace. Collector asked police to intensify their investigation and catch the miscreants at the earliest.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought a detailed report from senior officials. He directed them to take stringent action against those who insult statues of national leaders.
District in-charge minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy reviewed the situation and called the incident unfortunate. He assured that a new Ambedkar statue would be installed at the site soon.
According to a report, the fire had spread from a shed adjoining the statue, causing the damage.