“Accused has been taken into custody”, claims Punjab Minister Harbhajan over Ambedkar statue vandalism in Amritsar

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], January 27 (ANI): Amid a row over vandalism of DR BR Ambedkar statue in Amritsar, AAP’s Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO claimed on Monday that the accused in the matter has been taken into custody and the police are investigating to nab the real conspirator.

In a post on X, Singh ETO said, “The vandalism of the statue of Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Ji in Amritsar on Republic Day yesterday is a highly condemnable act. Under the instructions of the Punjab Government, the Punjab Police has taken immediate action and the accused has been taken into custody. Further investigation is underway to reach the real conspirator of this serious matter and all the residents of the state are appealed to cooperate with the government and the police in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.”

The incident occurred on Republic Day, sparking widespread outrage and criticism from the opposition.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majitha condemned the incident and claimed that it was “pre-planned”.

“I condemn this incident. To execute such an incident on 26th January means that it was pre-planned and pre-meditated. It is a matter of shame for the entire state. It is an attempt to harm peace and brotherhood in a border state. I ask Amritsar Commissionarate, what could be a bigger failure when such a big incident happens under your nose,” he said.

BJP MP Sambit Patra also condemned the AAP government in Punjab for failing to prevent the vandalism of the BR Ambedkar statue in Amritsar. He demanded that Kejriwal apologize and resign from his post in the party.

“Yesterday was the 76th anniversary of our Republic when India got its Constitution. Since morning we have seen how under the AAP govt in Punjab, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s statue was vandalised in Amritsar. There a man climbed on top of the statue and vandalized it. When this incident was unfolding, neither the Police nor the administration took any steps to stop it. Since this happened in front of a police station, it is a law and order issue. This is not the first time that Arvind Kejriwal and AAP have insulted Dalits…Arvind Kejriwal must go to Punjab and offer apologies before this statue. He should also resign from his post in the party. BJP challenges him to do this,” the BJP MP said.

However, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated on Monday that strict punishment will be given to anyone attempting to damage the statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Amritsar’s Heritage Street.

Describing the incident as highly unfortunate, the Chief Minister said it has hurt the sentiments of everyone who honors Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He appealed to the public to remain calm and assured that exemplary action will be taken against the miscreants responsible for such heinous acts.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is fully alert and committed to thwarting the nefarious plans of anti-social and anti-national elements trying to disturb the peace in Punjab. He said that anyone attempting to disrupt the law and order situation through such actions will face strict action.