Consultant Arrested After Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse in Sindhudurg

Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the collapsed Shivaji Maharaj statue, was arrested in Kolhapur. Following the incident, Maharashtra's Chief Minister announced swift reconstruction plans. A multifaceted committee has been formed to investigate the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Chetan Patil, the structural consultant of the Shivaji Maharaj statue that collapsed in Sindhudurg's Malvan area, was apprehended by the Kolhapur Police early Friday morning. The arrest followed an extensive operation by the local crime branch, culminating at around 12:30 AM.

Officials report that Patil has been transferred to Sindhudurg Police, who are also holding a contractor in relation to the incident. The Sindhudurg Police station registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following the collapse of the 35-foot statue on August 26.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the state government is expediting reconstruction efforts, involving committees to investigate and prevent such incidents. Emphasizing respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he called for non-politicization of the incident. The Defence Ministry announced a joint technical committee with the Indian Navy and experts to probe the collapse.

The statue, unveiled last December during Navy Day celebrations, was a tribute to the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime security.

(With inputs from agencies.)