Statues of Ambedkar, Birsa Munda damaged in Tonk; one suspect held

Bhilwara: Vandals in Tonk's Datwasa village damaged statues of Bhimrao Ambedkar and Birsa Munda over a land dispute Monday, triggering public anger. Members of social organisations called for the perpetrators' arrest. Police apprehended 40-year-old Laxman Reger, while the Niwai SDM assured a swift resolution of the land dispute.

The vandalism was discovered Monday morning when officials and social organisation workers arrived to lay wreaths during a programme to commemorate Ambedkar's birth anniversary. They noticed the statue's spectacles were damaged.

Officials protested against the vandalism and demanded the culprits' arrest. The police and Niwai SDM arrived at the location to control the situation after receiving information. Subsequently, Tonk police took Reger into custody.

Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan said police and administrative officers responded to reports of the vandalism. Investigations revealed the incident stemmed from a land ownership conflict between two parties. The Ambedkar statue was positioned on disputed land, with damage noted to one side of the statue's spectacles.

The SP said the situation is now peaceful, with Reger in custody for questioning. Niwai SDM promised a quick resolution of the land dispute to those gathered at the site.