A 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just eight months ago, suddenly collapsed on Monday at the historic Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district. The statue, depicting the revered Maratha king in an attacking pose with a sword held high, broke into several pieces, raising questions about the quality of its construction and prompting swift legal action against those responsible.
Sudden Collapse at Rajkot Fort Shocks Maharashtra
The statue, which stood proudly on a pedestal at the ramparts of Rajkot Fort, began to totter around 1 pm before crashing down. The collapse shattered the bronze statue into multiple pieces, leaving onlookers and officials stunned. The exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, though some have speculated that it may be due to structural flaws or the harsh coastal environment of the fort, which is bordered by the Arabian Sea.
The Rajkot Fort, along with the Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 1660s, stands as a symbol of India’s maritime heritage. The statue, made of bronze and other materials, was a significant addition to the fort, meant to honor the Maratha king’s legacy during the Indian Navy Day celebrations on December 4, 2023, when it was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi.
Investigation and Legal Action: FIR Registered
In response to the incident, the Sindhudurg Police have registered an FIR against the contractor responsible for the statue’s construction, Jaydeep Apte, and structural consultant Chetan Patil. The FIR follows a complaint filed by the Public Works Department (PWD), which alleges that the statue was constructed with poor-quality materials, and the nuts and bolts used were found to be rusted. This revelation has fueled concerns that negligence may have played a significant role in the statue’s collapse.
The Indian Navy, which oversaw the construction and inauguration of the statue, has also released a statement, announcing an investigation into the incident. The Navy’s involvement highlights the importance of the statue and the need to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Government Response: Calls for Reinstallation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the collapse as an “unfortunate” incident and emphasized the importance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a revered figure in Maharashtra. Shinde has promised a thorough investigation into the incident, with officials from the PWD and the Navy expected to visit the site to determine the cause of the collapse.
Opportunity Amidst Adversity: A New Vision
Despite the mishap, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar saw an opportunity to create something even more significant. Kesarkar suggested that a taller statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj could be erected at the site, comparable to the Statue of Liberty, which would attract tourists from all over India. He noted that the statue had been erected quickly in preparation for the Navy Day celebrations, a factor that might have contributed to the issues with its construction.
Kesarkar’s proposal to build a grander statue reflects a desire to turn this setback into a moment of pride for Maharashtra, by paying a more fitting tribute to the legendary Maratha king.
Awaiting Answers and a New Beginning
As investigations continue, the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue has sparked a broader conversation about the quality of public works and the responsibilities of those involved in such projects. The people of Maharashtra now await the findings of the investigation, hopeful that the statue will soon be reinstalled, standing taller and stronger, as a true homage to one of India’s greatest historical figures.
(With inputs from agencies)
