Gandhi statue in Nizampet vandalised for second time, sparking outrage
Nizampet: The statue of Mahatma Gandhi, unveiled with much fanfare on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2024, near Amberu Cheruvu in Pragathi Nagar, Nizampet has been vandalised for the second time, causing widespread distress among the local community. Many residents are linking the incident to the arrival of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the state today, viewing the act of vandalism as an insult to the statue of the Father of the Nation.
The statue, which was inaugurated by local Congress leaders, has been in poor condition since its installation, according to residents. They have raised concerns about the lack of proper maintenance, citing reports of damaged paint and overall deterioration. Despite repeated complaints submitted to local authorities, no significant action has been taken to address the statue’s upkeep, further contributing to frustration in the community.
One local resident, Sai Teja, took to social media X to voice his anger, “@TelanganaCMO, @TelanganaDGP, @CPCyberabad, @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi, Atrocities on #MahatmaGandhi Ji are increasing. This is the second incident in #PragathiNagar under @cyberabadpolice limits. This is a punishable offense under Section 3 of the National Honour Act.”
@TusharG @TelanganaCMO @TelanganaDGP @CPCyberabad @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi Atrocities on #MahatmaGandhi Ji is becoming more this is the 2nd incident happened in #PragathiNagar under @cyberabadpolice Limits in the same place it is punishable offence u/s 3 of National Honor pic.twitter.com/swHooZxCXP
— SAI TEJA (@ActivistTeja) November 5, 2024
Another resident, Deva Raj, expressed his dismay, saying, “How can anyone think of doing this to #MahatmaGandhi ji? Something is definitely wrong. Strict action is needed, and no one should ever consider doing such a thing again.”
How do they even think of doing this to #MahatmaGandhi ji ?
Something is definitely wrong.
Strict action is the need of the hour and no one should even think of doing such in future..— Deva Raj (@dev_raju) November 5, 2024
Social activist and local resident Sai Teja also criticised the hurried installation of the statue, pointing out that the location was unsuitable for such an important symbol. “The statue was quickly inaugurated by Congress leaders in a location with minimal foot traffic, near a lake that has become a gathering spot for alcoholics. The area is poorly lit, and the absence of functioning CCTV cameras has left the statue vulnerable to vandalism,” Teja said.
In addition to the statue’s deteriorating condition, residents have expressed concern about inadequate street lighting and the non-functioning CCTV cameras around the Pragathi Nagar Lake, Amberu Cheruvu. These issues have only added to the sense of neglect felt by the local community, who are now calling for immediate action to both repair and protect the statue.
