The Republic Day vandalism of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar has taken a shocking turn as the police investigations indicated an international angle to the crime. Accused Akashdeep Singh, who defiled and damaged the statue on January 26, has reportedly confessed to being radicalized in Dubai. His mission was allegedly to create unrest in Punjab, with an even more sinister plan — burning the Indian national flag in Bhatinda. However, he was arrested before he could execute the second act.

During a court hearing on Friday, the police sought and secured an additional five-day remand for Akashdeep to further probe his activities and connections. Investigators believed that his actions were part of a larger conspiracy to incite communal discord in Punjab. They suspected that he was brainwashed and manipulated by external forces to disrupt Punjab’s social harmony.

Authorities informed the Court that the accused had planned another act of desecration in Bathinda, where he intended to burn a national flag, which remains to be recovered. Police believed that his actions were not isolated but part of a carefully-orchestrated plan to stir tensions in the state.

Ladder Near Statue: Fire Dept in dock

Another major twist in the case has surfaced, with fresh CCTV footage revealing that the Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department had placed a ladder near the statue on the night of January 25 — just hours before the attack. The footage shows a fire brigade truck arriving at Heritage Street at around 8:45 pm, with officials setting up a ladder next to the statue. The ladder remained there overnight and remained present when the incident took place the next evening.

The latest revelation has raised serious questions about whether the attack was premeditated and if certain officials were complicit in facilitating the crime. Social organizations have criticized the authorities, questioning why such a facility was provided to the accused when even paying tributes to the statue often requires special permissions and arrangements.

Another newly-surfaced CCTV footage painted a clearer picture of how the accused executed the crime. Footage shows Akashdeep arriving at the site carrying a bottle of flammable liquid. He attempted to set fire to a replica of the Indian Constitution placed under the statue and the national flag. He then pulled a hammer from his backpack and climbed the pre-positioned ladder to strike the statue multiple times. 

The footage has intensified concerns about whether he had inside help, as the placement of the ladder before the attack suggested prior knowledge and planning.

Dubai Connection

Akashdeep’s mother, following the incident, had publicly disowned him, stating that he has had no contact with his family since moving to Dubai in search of work. His sister resides in Muscat, while his parents and two younger brothers live in Moga, Punjab. The family, which survives on daily wages, claimed that Akashdeep had distanced himself from them and had been living in a rented house in Amritsar for the past four months without visiting home. 

Forensic Investigation Underway

To dig deeper into the accused’s network, the police have sent his mobile phone for forensic analysis. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jaspal Singh, leading the investigation, stated that police have recovered a mobile phone from Akashdeep, which has been sent for forensic examination. The phone data is expected to provide crucial insights into his communications and possible foreign handlers, he said. 

“The case is still under investigation, and we cannot disclose many details at this point,” ACP Singh said. However, he confirmed that the police are interrogating individuals linked to Akashdeep, besides probing his international links.

The Amritsar Police have registered an FIR under eight different sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), those related to religious incitement and damage to public property. Officials are now focused on unearthing Akashdeep’s full network, including those who radicalized him and funded his activities. 

Key Developments

·         Accused, Akashdeep, was allegedly brainwashed in Dubai

·         Akashdeep sent to Punjab to create tensions

·         Had plans to burn the Tricolour in Bhatinda, but arrested before execution of act

·         Fire Department’s ladder was placed near the statue a day before the attack, raising suspicion

·         Accused’s phone sent for forensic analysis to trace connections — both local and international