Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Sindhudurg

A statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, recently unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, collapsed at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. Officials are investigating the cause, with heavy rains and gusty winds noted as potential factors.

A statue of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday, an official said.

The 35-foot statue collapsed around 1 pm at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, the official added.

Experts will ascertain the exact cause of the collapse, but the district has experienced heavy rains and gusty winds over the last two to three days, contributing to the incident, the official explained.

Senior officials from the police and district administration have arrived at the site to assess the situation, the damage is currently being evaluated, the official stated.

PM Modi unveiled the statue on December 4 last year to commemorate Navy Day. He also participated in the celebrations at the fort.