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The collapse of a statue dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra has led to criminal charges against the sculptor and structural consultant responsible for its construction. The incident, which occurred on August 26, 2023, has sparked outrage and prompted a thorough investigation by the Sindhudurg Police.
The sculptor, Jaideep Apte, and structural consultant, Dr. Chetan S Patil, were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to attempt to commit culpable homicide, endangering the lives of others, attempt to murder, and cheating. An FIR filed by Ajit Patil, an assistant engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), alleges that the statue's collapse was a direct result of poor construction practices and negligence.
The PWD's investigation revealed the use of rusted nuts and bolts in the structure, indicating a lack of proper quality control. The department had transferred Rs 2.44 crore to the Naval dockyard for the construction of the statue, highlighting the significant public funds involved. Despite these resources, the complaint alleges that Apte and Patil failed to conduct thorough studies and prioritize the safety of the monument.
The FIR further states that the accused, by constructing the statue in an unsafe manner, intentionally endangered the lives of people present at the site. They are also accused of defrauding the government by misusing the allocated funds and damaging public property through shoddy construction. The charges under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, underscore the seriousness of the allegations.
The incident has raised concerns about the accountability and safety measures employed in public construction projects. The prosecution's case rests on the evidence gathered by the PWD, which indicates a clear breach of construction standards and a disregard for the safety of the public. As the investigation unfolds, the accused will face legal scrutiny and potentially severe consequences for their alleged actions.