New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today
expressed "strong disapproval" to "toppling of statues," a day after two statues of Russian Communist icon Vladimir Lenin and a statue of Dravidian icon
Periyar were vandalised. The Home Ministry has asked states to take measures to prevent such incidents. "Persons indulging in such acts must be sternly dealt with and booked under relevant provisions of law," the Home Ministry said. Another case of vandalism was reported in Kolkata today where BJP icon Syama Prasad Mookerjee's bust was found damaged. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Here are the highlights:
Mar 07, 2018 18:33 (IST)
"I and my party condemn the incident of causing damage to his statue. These are people with vested interest who are insulting leaders of rationalist movement in the name of religion. It is not right. People will not tolerate it," Mr Kharge said.
Mar 07, 2018 18:33 (IST)
Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge condemns damage to statues. "In a democracy, there are people who believe in all kinds of ideologies. There is no tolerance in the BJP people and they are turning intolerant," he said.
Mar 07, 2018 16:24 (IST)
Security increased in Delhi after Lenin, Periyar statues vandalised
SHOs have been briefed to increase security in their areas. Police is making a list of sensitive and highly sensitive areas, and adequate number of personnel have been deployed around statues.
Mar 07, 2018 16:15 (IST)
Maharashtra police on alert after statues vandalised across the country. Police asked to take extra precaution, increase patrolling in all sensitive areas.
Mar 07, 2018 15:59 (IST)
The Ministry has also called for preventive action including patrolling and firm control over "anti-social elements".
Mar 07, 2018 15:58 (IST)
Directions have also been issued to ensure that the situation is closely monitored and take stringent action including arrest and prompt investigation and prosecution, against vandals.
Mar 07, 2018 15:53 (IST)
Home Ministry issues second advisory reiterating it's earlier directions on vandalism. It has also directed states to ensure that the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police are held personally responsible of violence held in their areas.
Mar 07, 2018 14:54 (IST)
The desecration of Periyar statue is a deplorable act. We have demanded in Parliament that strict action must be taken against all the guilty: Kanimozhi to NDTV
Mar 07, 2018 10:58 (IST)
Home Ministry Steps In, Asks States To Take Stern Action
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has ordered states to act sternly to check incidents of statues being toppled, defaced or vandalised.