New 100-Foot Statue Proposed After Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Statue

After the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 35-foot statue amid strong winds, Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar proposed the erection of a new 100-foot statue. The incident led to legal actions against the contractor and structural consultant. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the statue's reconstruction.

Maharashtra cabinet minister Deepak Kesarkar on Tuesday proposed setting aside politics following the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and suggested erecting a new 100-foot statue at the same location.

The 35-foot statue of the Maratha empire founder, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil of Sindhudurg on Navy Day last year, collapsed on Monday due to strong winds.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that the statue was designed and constructed by the Indian Navy.

Kesarkar, from the coastal Sindhudurg district, stressed that the public's sentiments can't be addressed solely through investigation, which the state government will undertake.

"Until a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is installed in the Arabian Sea, the largest statue of the Maratha founder should be built in Malvan. The statue should be around 100 feet tall," Kesarkar told reporters.

He added that something positive might emerge from this unfortunate incident.

Police have filed charges against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil, including sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide, endangering life or personal safety, attempted murder, and cheating, as well as Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Facing criticism from the Opposition, Chief Minister Shinde assured the statue would be rebuilt.

(With inputs from agencies.)