Shivaji Statue Collapse: Who’s Responsible?

Shivaji Statue Collapse: Indian Navy and PWD in Blame Game Over Responsibility

The sudden collapse of the 35-foot statue of 17th-century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg on August 26 has ignited a blame game between the agencies responsible for its maintenance. The statue, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Navy Day celebrations last December, was a major attraction at the fort, drawing over five lakh visitors.

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A detailed investigation by India Today TV revealed that a panel is probing the incident, with the Indian Navy and the Public Works Department (PWD) accusing each other of negligence. According to sources, the PWD routinely inspects the Rajkot Fort, and during an inspection on August 20, it discovered that the nuts and bolts holding the statue were rusted. Although PWD promptly informed the Navy on August 22, no action was taken, leading to the statue’s collapse four days later.

Blame Game Over Statue Collapse

Chetan Patil, who was responsible for the structural audit of the statue, has been arrested, but he claims that his design was approved and submitted to the Indian Navy through the PWD. The Indian Navy monitored the statue’s construction and paid for it, while the actual work was done by contractor Jaydeep Apte. However, the Indian Navy and the Maharashtra government are now blaming each other for the statue’s maintenance post-inauguration.

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PWD sources claim that while they manage the premises of the Rajkot Fort, the statue’s maintenance was the responsibility of the Navy. On the other hand, the Navy asserts that once the statue was inaugurated, its maintenance was handed over to local state government agencies, and no formal responsibility was set for its upkeep.

Political Ramifications and Investigation

Adding to the controversy, opposition parties have accused the Mahayuti government of cronyism, alleging that contractor Jaydeep Apte has links with BJP allies. This controversy is heating up ahead of the Assembly polls, with opposition leaders claiming that the statue’s collapse could cost the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming elections.

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As investigations continue, the key question remains: who is truly responsible for the Shivaji statue’s collapse? The outcome of the panel’s report is eagerly awaited, as it will determine accountability for this shocking incident.

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