Statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar Vandalized in Ahmedabad, Protests Erupt

A statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar was vandalized in the Khokhra area of Ahmedabad, sparking widespread anger and protests. The incident occurred amidst ongoing controversy over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement in Parliament about the Dalit icon.

The statue, located outside Jayanti Vakil’s Chali, opposite K.K. Shastri College, was damaged by miscreants who broke its nose and glasses. Local residents, enraged by the act, immediately alerted the police and staged a sit-in protest on the road, demanding swift action.

Khokhra police have registered a complaint against unidentified individuals and launched an investigation into the incident. Ahmedabad ACP Krunal Desai assured the public, saying, "We are actively working to apprehend the accused."

Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani strongly condemned the vandalism, linking it to Shah’s controversial remarks. "The comments by the Home Minister have already angered Dalits across India and Gujarat. Amid this unrest, an attempt was made to vandalize Babasaheb’s statue using a sledgehammer. This is not just vandalism but a deliberate attempt to disturb peace and provoke Dalits," Mevani said.

Mevani further accused the BJP government of “emboldening casteist elements.” "The anti-constitutional mindset of the government is giving courage to such acts. I demand an FIR and immediate arrests. If action is not taken within 24 hours, we will launch a fierce agitation," he warned.

BJP MLA from Maninagar, Amul Bhatt, responded to the incident, assuring residents of swift action. "The government is taking this matter very seriously. I assure residents that the accused will be caught within 24 hours," said Bhatt.​