Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: Consultant Involved In Structural Designing Arrested

The Maharashtra authorities have arrested a consultant involved in the structural designing of the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, which collapsed recently.

The arrest follows protests by Opposition leaders demanding a comprehensive investigation into the statue's collapse.

The statue, a 35-foot tall depiction of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was unveiled on 4 December 2023 during Navy Day celebrations, collapsed on collapsed on Monday afternoon after severe "weather conditions" in the region.

The statue was installed to honour the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime defence and security.

The project was collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Maharashtra government, with the state government providing funding for its creation.

The Centre on Thursday (29 August) announced the formation of a joint technical committee to investigate the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue.

This committee, headed by the Indian Navy, will include representatives from the Maharashtra government, and technical experts to probe the damage to the statue.

"A joint technical committee headed by the Indian Navy with representatives from the Maharashtra Govt and technical experts is being formed to investigate the unfortunate damage to the Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg, subsequent to the exceptional weather conditions in the region," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday (29 August).

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