Authorities in Kathua district have detained three individuals accused of damaging the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, sparking outrage and protests from the local community. The incident took place in the Bani area and has been widely condemned as an attack on the values of equality and justice.

Police officials confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Bani Police Station under Sections 196 and 324(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

• Section 196 pertains to promoting hatred, disharmony, or enmity among groups based on religion, race, caste, language, or community.
• Section 324(2) addresses offences related to mischief and damage to public property.

The desecration of the statue in a public park on Sunday triggered widespread protests, especially among members of the Dalit community, who demanded strict legal action against the culprits.

The vandalism deeply angered residents of the region. Protesters gathered in large numbers, demanding justice and restoration of the damaged statue. Local leaders have called for swift and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Congress leader and former minister Yashpal Kundal strongly condemned the act, calling it “not merely the destruction of stone and metal but an assault on the self-respect of marginalized communities and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.”

He emphasized that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar dedicated his life to building a nation founded on equality, justice, and fraternity, and attacking his statue is equivalent to attacking those ideals.

“Targeting Ambedkar’s statue is a direct attack on the values he stood for. Such acts must not be tolerated,” Kundal added, urging the administration to bring the culprits to justice and ensure such incidents never happen again.

Police and district officials have assured that the matter is under investigation and that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible. Local authorities have also promised to restore the damaged statue and strengthen security in public areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.