Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the site in Malvan where the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed on August 26.
Ajit Pawar stated that the Maharashtra government is committed to rebuilding a grand and divine memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, ensuring that those responsible for the collapse are held accountable.
Pawar mentioned that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has conducted meetings regarding the incident and has initiated efforts to reconstruct the statue.
Pawar emphasised that there is no point in debating whether the Navy or the PWD (Public Works Department) is at fault, as the focus is on rebuilding and taking action against those responsible.
The Sindhudurg Police have arrested the structural consultant, Chetan Patil, and a contractor in connection with the statue's collapse. Patil was apprehended by the Kolhapur Police and will be brought to Sindhudurg.
During his visit, Pawar also inspected the Rajkot Fort in Malvan, highlighting the importance of the site as a symbol of Maharashtra's self-respect and identity.
Pawar noted that in future, experience will be prioritised when awarding contracts, to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the state government is making decisions on a war footing to reconstruct the statue, with two committees formed to investigate the collapse.
The statue, which collapsed, was unveiled on December 4 last year during Navy Day celebrations, honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime defence and the historical connection with the modern Indian Navy.
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