Dr. Ambedkar statue vandalized in Punjab, Khalistani terrorist claims responsibility, tensions escalate

Hoshiarpur (The Uttam Hindu): Unidentified assailants damaged a statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on Tuesday using hammers and sharp weapons. The incident occurred in the village of Noorpur Jattan, creating tension in the area.

Following the incident, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, associated with separatist elements, released a video claiming responsibility for the attack. The video also contained derogatory remarks against India, Baba Saheb, and certain communities, angering local residents. Village Sarpanch Shingara Ram said that villagers arrived in large numbers upon receiving information about the incident. He described the incident as a serious matter involving community sentiments and demanded strict action against the culprits.

Upon learning of the incident, Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly and MLA from Garhshankar, Jai Krishna Rodi, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. He assured the swift arrest of the accused and appealed to the public to maintain peace. According to the Sarpanch, the attackers broke the statue's face, shattered the surrounding glass, and damaged the lights. He also stated that previous attempts to damage the statue had been made, after which the Panchayat had built a glass wall for protection.

The Mahilpur police station has registered a case and begun an investigation. According to Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Dr. Mukesh Kumar, an FIR has been registered against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and several unidentified individuals under sections 298 and 61(2) of the Indian Penal Code.