Sculptor Arrested After Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse Sparks Political Controversy

Jaydeep Apte, the sculptor behind the Shivaji Maharaj statue, has been arrested following its collapse in Sindhudurg. The incident has incited a political dispute, with opposition leaders criticizing the Eknath Shinde-led government. High-profile figures and the public have condemned the incident. The state government has promised swift reconstruction efforts.

Jaydeep Apte, the sculptor responsible for the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been taken into custody, according to Sindhudurg Police officials. Apte was arrested in Thane and is scheduled to appear before a competent court later today.

Sindhudurg Police stated, "Jaydeep Apte has been apprehended in connection with the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue. He was transported from Thane to Sindhudurg and will be presented before the court today." Earlier, Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the statue, was arrested from Kolhapur.

An FIR was filed under sections 109, 110, 125, 318, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police confirmed. The 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district, which was unveiled last December as part of Navy Day celebrations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, collapsed on August 26.

This event has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders heavily criticizing the Eknath Shinde-led government. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the collapse. Similarly, the Maha Vikas Aghadi launched a significant protest in Mumbai, with UBT Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray claiming that the collapse insulted Maharashtra's spirit.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the government is taking swift action to rebuild the statue and has formed two committees to investigate the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)