Ambedkar statue desecrated in Ludhiana, Valmiki groups call for bandh

Unidentified persons allegedly desecrated a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk on Tuesday evening, prompting several Valmiki organisations to call for a Ludhiana bandh on Wednesday.

The incident triggered anger among members of the Valmiki community, who gathered near Jalandhar Bypass on Wednesday and raised slogans demanding the arrest of those responsible.

Police deployed additional personnel at several locations in the city following the bandh call.

Members of the Valmiki organisations also demanded immediate action against those involved in the alleged vandalism.

Police said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the accused. They appealed to people to maintain peace and avoid any untoward incident.