Chief Minister Vows 'No One Will Be Spared' in Shivaji Statue Collapse Investigation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced strict action against Jaideep Apte, sculptor of the collapsed Shivaji statue. Apte and consultant Chetan Patil have been arrested and are under investigation to determine if subpar materials and poor design contributed to the collapse. Allegations of corruption and shielding efforts persist.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed stringent measures against Jaideep Apte, the sculptor behind the Shivaji statue that recently collapsed in Sindhudurg's Malvan area. 'No one will be spared,' Shinde stated, emphasizing that Apte's arrest addresses claims by the opposition about government protection.

Sindhudurg police reported that both Apte and consultant Chetan Patil have been detained to investigate the materials used for the 35-foot statue. Authorities believe rusted components indicate subpar materials might have been used. The statue's collapse, barely nine months after its unveiling by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked concerns over quality control and possible negligence.

In court filings, police highlighted the need to probe whether Apte and Patil conducted appropriate feasibility audits, including assessments of wind, water, and seismic factors. Both accused are in custody, and the investigation aims to uncover potential negligence or corruption in constructing the statue. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut accused efforts are ongoing to secure Apte's bail.

(With inputs from agencies.)