Fallen hero: Shaktiman's statue removed in 2 days

Shaktiman was injured in a rally

Dehradun: Police horse Shaktiman has again fallen prey to politics. Fatally beaten up by a BJP MLA during a protest in March, Shaktiman's plight had drawn a lot of attention, but his statue, erected close to the state Assembly two days ago, apparently did not evoke the same feelings. It was removed on Tuesday.

Shaktiman was injured in a rally

Backlash on social media and protests over the decision to install the statue of the horse prompted the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority to remove it. However, the authorities have refused to comment on it.

The statue was inaugurated on Ripasna Bridge three days ago, following which there were protests by people who demanded that there should be statues for those who sacrificed their lives for the separate statehood movement and not for a horse. Apparently, taking note of the sentiment, the statue was removed.

Shaktiman died on April 20 after allegedly being hit by BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi. The 13-year-old was injured at a rally on March 14, where BJP workers clashed with police and Joshi beat up Shaktiman, triggering an outrage.