Maharashtra Police Arrest Individual in Connection with Shivaji Statue Collapse

Patil, who lives in Kolhapur, stated that he was not the consultant for the statue itself. In an interview with Marathi news channel ABP Majha, he, along with artist Jaydeep Apte, clarified that he designed the platform for the statue, which was commissioned by the Indian Navy through the public works department (PWD). He mentioned that a Thane-based company handled the statue’s construction. The 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king, unveiled by Prime Minister Modi last year, collapsed on Monday around 1 pm.

Police have also arrested a contractor in connection with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue collapse case. This incident has caused embarrassment for the Eknath Shinde-led state government and has drawn criticism and protests from opposition parties. Shinde stated that the statue was designed and constructed by the Indian Navy.

State Congress chief Nana Patole claimed that the sculptor of the statue had ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His remarks followed comments from state cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, who stated that the sculptor was close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The opposition has labeled the incident as an “insult to the legacy” of the 17th-century Maratha emperor, with Congress questioning whether Prime Minister Modi would apologize for it. Additionally, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP held silent protests in Pune and other parts of western Maharashtra, demanding accountability for those responsible for the statue’s collapse.

The Indian Navy announced that it was responsible for the design and management of the project to install the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which fell in Malvan, Maharashtra, this week. This effort was carried out in collaboration with the state government, which also contributed financial support for the project.