Maharashtra’s Parbhani tensed as miscreant vandalise Constitution replica in Ambedkar’s statue

The incident took place on Tuesday, police arrested a man on Wednesday but protests continue

Violent protests took place for the second day in central Maharashtra’s Parbhani city on Wednesday (December 11, 2024) over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution, police said.

An unidentified person on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) damaged the stone replica of the Constitution set in front of a statue of B.R. Ambedkar outside Parbhani Railway Station in Maharashtra, triggering arson and pelting of stones.

A crowd of around 200 people gathered near the statue after the word spread about the damage caused to the replica of the Constitution, and slogans were raised, a senior police official said. Stones were hurled and incidents of arson were also reported from the area, he added.

Protestors later tried to stop Nandigram Express train, pulled down the locomotive pilot and roughed him up. The Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police personnel stepped in to bring order.

Though police arrested a man in connection with the incident, protests resumed on Wednesday (Dec. 11) morning.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief and Ambedkar’s grandson Prakash Ambedkar demanded the administration to arrest all the miscreants or to face consequences.

On X, he posted,: “The vandalisation of the Constitution of India at Babasaheb’s statue by casteist Maratha miscreants in Parbhani is absolutely very shameful to say the least. It is not the first time such a vandalism of Babasaheb’s statue or symbol of Dalit identity has happened.”

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale condemned the desecration of a replica of the Constitution in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district and demanded strict action against the accused and to probe the matter.

Mr. Athawale, who is also the national president of the Republican Party of India (A) also spoke to the District Superintendent of Police in Parbhani and demanded immediate action. “Humiliating constitution is extremely critical matter and treasonous offence. The protest reflects the sentiments of Ambedkarites, however I appeal them to maintain peace,” said Mr. Athawale, adding that he will request CM Devendra Fadnavis to investigate the prime person behind the incident.

Published - December 11, 2024 04:08 pm IST