Maharashtra News: 35-Foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapses After Recent Unveiling by PM Modi

A statue of the revered Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was recently unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unexpectedly collapsed on Monday at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The 35-foot-tall statue toppled at approximately 1 pm, alarming local authorities and the public.

The statue had been installed as a tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a key figure in the Maratha Empire’s history. Its unveiling, which took place on December 4 last year, coincided with Navy Day and was marked by a significant ceremony attended by Prime Minister Modi.

Following the incident, senior officials from the police and district administration quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Their focus was on ensuring public safety and evaluating the damage caused. The statue’s collapse has raised questions about its construction, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause, including a thorough inspection of its structural integrity and the conditions under which it was built.

The news has sparked disappointment among local residents who hold Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in high regard. The statue was not just a symbol of the king’s valor but also an important cultural landmark. Rajkot Fort, where the statue was placed, is historically tied to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, adding to the significance of the incident.

In response, there is already discussion among community leaders and officials about reconstructing the statue, with renewed efforts to ensure its durability and safety. The collapse has also ignited broader conversations about the maintenance of historical monuments and the responsibility of authorities to preserve such significant cultural symbols.