In a shocking incident today, the statue of legendary leader Biju Patnaik at Parshuram Chowk in Patnagarh, Odisha’s Bolangir district, was set on fire.
The act follows ongoing protests from members of the Brahmin Samaj, who had earlier demanded that a statue of Lord Parshuram be installed in the location instead.
Following initial protests, the statue had been covered with polythene by order of the district collector and Orissa High Court. However, despite this precaution, it was found ablaze this morning, sparking outrage among locals.
Authorities suspect miscreants may have been influenced to carry out the act. Police detained one individual who was spotted near the statue earlier in the day, though officials noted that the suspect might be mentally unstable.
The incident has reignited discussions about political symbolism and the significance of historical figures in public spaces.
