Belagavi police have arrested two young men for allegedly defacing a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar located near Channamma Circle and sharing the incident on social media, an act that has triggered protests and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
The arrests follow a complaint filed by Nishant Kamble, who identified the accused as Arshan Salman Hanchinmani, a resident of Kangrali BK, and Uwaisahmed Akilahmed Kotwal, a resident of Vaibhav Nagar. The duo allegedly desecrated the statue at Ambedkar Garden around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, recording the act and subsequently posting the video on their social media handles.
Dalit leaders reacted strongly to the incident, demanding strict action against the perpetrators. Mallesh Chougoule, a Dalit leader, stated that the statue, which had stood for 54 years, was a source of pride and could not be disrespected. While acknowledging that police had acted against the two accused, he demanded that those behind the alleged conspiracy also be arrested. He added that Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam had assured them the case would be thoroughly investigated.
Babu Pujari also condemned the incident, urging that such acts not recur. He noted that police had assured legal action would be taken and demanded that individuals instigating such behavior be booked. The police are currently investigating the case.
