Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Sculptor Detained, Investigation Intensifies

Jaydeep Apte, sculptor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue, has been detained by police following its collapse. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde emphasized equal treatment under the law. Structural consultant Chetan Patil was also detained. The statue's collapse has ignited political tension in the state.

Jaydeep Apte, the sculptor responsible for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue, has been placed in police custody until September 10, following a directive by the magistrate court on Thursday. Apte's detention comes after his arrest on Wednesday.

'Sindhudurg Police has arrested sculptor Jaydeep Apte in connection with the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,' confirmed the police.

In response to Apte's arrest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the principle of equality before the law. 'Everyone is equal before the law, and the sculptor of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue will be held accountable. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our revered figure. Politicizing this incident is unfortunate,' CM Shinde stated.

Earlier, Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the statue, was arrested in Kolhapur. According to Sindhudurg Police, the FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The 35-foot statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, last year during Navy Day celebrations, collapsed on August 26 in Sindhudurg district. The event has sparked significant political discourse, with opposition leaders criticizing the Eknath Shinde-led government.