An FIR has been registered against the contractor responsible for the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, after it collapsed just eight months following its inauguration. The statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, came down on Monday, raising serious concerns about the quality of its construction.
The FIR, filed by the Public Works Department (PWD), accuses contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil of collusion, fraud, and endangering public safety. The department’s complaint alleges that the statue was poorly constructed, with rusted nuts and bolts used in its assembly, compromising its structural integrity.
Local residents and tourists had already voiced concerns about the deteriorating condition of the statue. Despite these warnings, no action was taken, even after an alert was issued by an assistant engineer from the PWD’s Malvan division on August 20. The PWD stated that the rusted bolts posed a significant risk to the statue’s stability, but these warnings were ignored.
The steel used in the statue had started to corrode, further weakening the structure. Ravindra Chavan, the Guardian Minister of Sindhudurg, mentioned that the PWD had already informed naval officers about the rust and requested appropriate measures.
Work on the statue began on September 8, with the Indian Navy, which lacks expertise in statue construction, tasked with erecting the structure. The statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi on December 4, coinciding with Navy Day.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the incident, while the opposition has criticized the government, accusing it of negligence.
This incident highlights the importance of using quality materials and proper expertise in public projects, especially those of significant cultural importance.
About Symbolic Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg was a significant project, symbolizing the bravery and leadership of the revered Maratha king. The statue was designed to stand as a prominent landmark in the region, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Made from steel, it was intended to withstand the coastal weather conditions of Sindhudurg, which is known for its salty air and high humidity.
Standing tall, the statue depicted Shivaji Maharaj in a commanding posture, showcasing his iconic warrior spirit. The project was seen as a tribute to the Maratha empire’s rich history and cultural heritage, making its sudden collapse a matter of deep concern and disappointment for the local community and the state.
The statue’s construction and the subsequent collapse have now sparked a broader discussion about the standards and accountability in public infrastructure projects.
Update (30-08-2024)
A structural consultant was arrested on Friday for his alleged involvement in the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district earlier this week.
Chetan Patil, a Kolhapur resident, was taken into custody by a team from the local Crime Branch of Kolhapur police early in the morning. He was subsequently handed over to the Sindhudurg police for further investigation.
A senior Kolhapur police official, speaking to news agency ANI, stated, “Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue that collapsed in Malavan, was detained in Kolhapur. He was named in an FIR registered by the Sindhudurg police. A team from the Kolhapur police Crime Branch located and detained him around 12:30 am. He was later transferred to the Sindhudurg police.”
Patil had previously asserted on Wednesday that he was not involved as the structural consultant for the statue. In an interview with a Marathi news channel, he mentioned that while he had submitted the design for the platform to the Indian Navy through the state’s Public Works Department (PWD), he had no involvement with the statue itself.
Update
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued an apology on Friday for the recent collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
“With deep respect, I bow at his feet and ask for forgiveness,” PM Modi stated.
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was unveiled by PM Modi on December 4 last year during Navy Day at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, fell on Monday, just nine months after its inauguration.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called the incident “unfortunate” and assured that the statue would be reinstalled. He explained that strong winds of approximately 45 kmph had caused the statue, which was erected by the Navy, to fall and sustain damage.
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