Contractor and Consultant Face Legal Action Over Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue

A recently inaugurated statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra collapsed, leading to an FIR against the contractor and consultant. The incident has prompted investigations, political criticism, and debates about construction quality. Authorities and the Indian Navy are working on restoration efforts and determining the cause of the collapse.

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Title: Contractor and Consultant Face Legal Action Over Collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue

In a shocking turn of events, the 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district collapsed on Monday, just eight months after its inauguration. The incident has prompted swift action from authorities, with the Sindhudurg Police filing an FIR against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil.

The statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, was a symbol of pride for the region. Its sudden collapse has raised questions about the quality of construction and the haste in its erection.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the collapse to strong winds but promised a thorough investigation. The Indian Navy, which had originally dedicated the statue to Sindhudurg's citizens, has pledged to assist in the investigation and restoration efforts.

Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the government. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule called for blacklisting the contractor, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the government of rushing the installation for political gain.

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The incident has sparked a broader debate about the quality of public works and the potential politicization of such projects. As investigations proceed, the focus will be on determining the exact cause of the collapse and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case against Apte and Patil has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter. As the community grapples with the loss of this significant monument, all eyes are on the government's next steps in addressing the situation and restoring public confidence.