Maharashtra Deputy CM Apologizes for Shivaji Statue Collapse

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has apologized to the state's people for the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in Malvan fort. Action is promised against those responsible. An FIR has been filed against the contractor for poor quality construction and using rusted materials.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday offered an apology to the people of Maharashtra for the collapse of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Malvan fort, in the coastal Konkan region.

"Whether it's officials or contractors, action will be taken against those guilty," said Pawar, addressing a public meeting during his Jan Sanman Yatra in Latur district.

Pawar expressed deep regret, stating, "Shivaji Maharaj is our deity, and I apologize to the 13 crore people of Maharashtra for the collapse of his statue." He added that the statue's collapse within a year of its installation was indeed shocking.

An FIR has been registered against the contractor responsible for the statue's work after it collapsed just eight months post its unveiling by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 last year.

The FIR follows a complaint by the Public Works Department, which asserted that the statue's construction was of poor quality, with rusted nuts and bolts discovered in the structure.

(With inputs from agencies.)