Dalit icon statue vandalised in Allahabad

Allahabad, Mar 31: In another incident of vandalism of statues, A statue of Dalit icon Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was vandalized in Allahabad on Saturday, police said.

The statue in Trivenipuram Jhunsi area of Allahabad was likely damaged on Friday night. The incident comes just days after the Yogi Adityanath government decided to change Ambedkar's name to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar in official documents and court orders, inciting severe criticism from Ambedkar's family and opposition parties.

"We are aware of the matter and are trying to locate the suspects," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Allahabad Aakash Kulhari told to media.

He said a case has been registered and ruled out any tension in the area following the incident.

Following the series of vandalism of Ambedkar's statue in the state, BSP chief Mayawati had said, "The spate of political violence and hatred started after the installation of new governments in the north-eastern states needs to be condemned. It is because of this kind of politics that there is tension and insecurity all around."