Biju Patnaik statue vandalized and set on fire in Patnagarh

Bhubaneswar, April 15: A statue of Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, was vandalized and set on fire by miscreants at Parshuram Square in Patnagarh, Balangir district, on Tuesday morning.

The statue had been a source of controversy since its installation, with the Brahmin community opposing its placement, claiming it was put up without their consent. The community had been demanding the installation of a Lord Parshuram statue at the same location, which led to a prolonged standoff.

Former MLA Saroj Meher’s initiative to install the Biju Patnaik statue was met with resistance from the Brahmin community, who insisted that the statue of Lord Parshuram be erected in Parshuram Chowk instead. This sparked a month-long protest, which eventually saw the administration stepping in, covering the statue with jute bags. However, early on Tuesday, the statue was found to have been set on fire by miscreants.

The incident has stirred tensions in the locality, with local residents alleging that outsiders may have provoked the act. Following the vandalism, the Patnagarh Notified Area Council (NAC) promptly removed the damaged statue.

An investigation has been initiated by the police to identify the culprits and understand the motive behind the attack.