Mumbai Braces for Protests After Shivaji Statue Collapse

Mumbai police have heightened security amid protests by the Maha Vikas Aghadi over the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Leaders including Uddhav Thackeray and youth Congress members demand accountability, while PM Modi apologizes to those affected. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.

Mumbai police have intensified security measures in anticipation of a protest march led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. The march is scheduled to begin at Hutatma Chowk and end at the Gateway of India on Sunday. A significant presence of police and security personnel is observed throughout the city.

The collapse of the 35-foot-tall statue, unveiled during last year's Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, has sparked outrage. Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray condemned the BJP-led Mahayuti government, questioning the plausibility of strong winds being the cause. He suggested negligence and demanded an explanation.

In a related incident, Mumbai police detained youth Congress leaders for protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, demanding a public apology for the statue's fall. PM Modi expressed regret, stating, "Those who consider Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as their deity and have been deeply hurt, I bow my head and apologize to them."

Additionally, Chetan Patil, the structural consultant behind the statue, has been arrested. An FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, confirmed by Sindhudurg Police. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the formation of two committees to expedite the statue's reconstruction and investigate the collapse.

The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Government and technical experts, has set up a joint committee to probe the incident. An official release from the Navy indicated that exceptional weather conditions might have contributed to the damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)