One detained after Ambedkar statue vandalised

Tensions prevailed in a village here on Saturday morning after a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar was allegedly vandalised, with police saying they have detained one person in connection with the incident.

Police said the accused -- Rajendra Yadav (45) -- is mentally unstable and would visit the statue daily to offer flowers and worship, and had come to offer prayers on Saturday as well.

Circle Officer (City) Randhir Mishra said police received information that a statue of Dr Ambedkar in Markundi village under Chopan police station area was allegedly damaged by a local resident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Yadav, a resident of the village and said to be mentally unstable, damaged the statue around 3.00 am on Saturday by hitting it with a stone, due to which the one of the hands of the statue broke.

The official said the accused has been detained for questioning.

Arrangements are being made to install a new statue at the site, he said, adding that alw and order in the area remained unaffected.