Mysterious Shivaji Statues Emerge Across Marathwada, Raising Political Concerns
3 dozen Shivaji statues mysteriously crop up across Marathwada, cops suspect political motive
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In Marathwada, Maharashtra, over three dozen statues of Maratha warriors Chhatrapati Shivaji and Chhatrapati Sambhaji have appeared in public spaces, leading to community tensions and police investigations. Authorities suspect a political motive behind the installations, linked to activist Balraje Aware-Patil, aiming to polarize communities ahead of upcoming elections.
- 01Over three dozen statues of Maratha warriors have appeared in Marathwada, Maharashtra.
- 02The installations have sparked community tensions and clashes between local groups.
- 03Activist Balraje Aware-Patil is suspected of orchestrating the statue placements.
- 04Police have filed 32 FIRs related to unauthorized installations in recent weeks.
- 05The phenomenon is believed to have political motivations linked to Maratha reservation protests.
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In the past six weeks, over three dozen statues of Maratha warrior kings Chhatrapati Shivaji and Chhatrapati Sambhaji have mysteriously appeared across various districts in Marathwada, Maharashtra. These installations, often occurring overnight in sensitive locations, have led to community tensions and clashes, notably in Anjangaon village in Solapur district. Police have registered 32 FIRs for unauthorized installations, with the controversial activist Balraje Aware-Patil emerging as a key figure behind the phenomenon. Aware-Patil, who claims to have installed over 600 statues statewide, allegedly mobilized support through social media and crowd-funding. The police suspect that the statue placements are politically motivated, aimed at polarizing communities in a region already sensitive due to previous Maratha reservation protests led by Manoj Jarange-Patil. Following Aware-Patil's arrest for inciting communal tension, police are now pursuing a broader investigation into the matter, as political pressure complicates enforcement actions.
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The unauthorized installations of statues have led to community tensions and protests, potentially affecting local peace and political stability.
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