Telangana: Police Halt Shivaji Statue Unveiling, BJP Protests
Warangal district collector Dr Satya Sharada said discussions would be held with both groups on Saturday to resolve the issue: Reports
WARANGAL: Tension prevailed in Bollikunta village of Warangal district on Friday after police stopped the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, leading to protests and detention of BJP leaders.
Police intervened at Ambedkar Centre, where villagers and members of Hindu organisations had gathered for the unveiling, citing precautionary measures to prevent a law-and-order issue.
The intervention led to arguments and a brief scuffle between villagers and police personnel. BJP Warangal district president Ganta Ravi Kumar, along with leaders of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, reached the spot and protested against the police action.
Police detained Ganta Ravi Kumar and several others as tensions escalated. The statue was later shifted to Warangal in a police vehicle.
Residents said a section of villagers supported installation of the statue at Ambedkar Centre, while another group objected to the location. Police prevented the programme in view of the dispute.
Warangal district collector Dr Satya Sharada said discussions would be held with both groups on Saturday to resolve the issue.
The BJP, Bajrang Dal and VHP condemned the police action. Ganta Ravi Kumar alleged that authorities were trying to politicise the issue to appease one section and said the statue would be unveiled in the village.
The views of the opposing group and a detailed police version were not immediately available. Heavy police deployment was made in the village to maintain law and order.