Kolhapur: The investigation into the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue at Rajkot Fort has intensified. A special forensic team from Kolhapur on Thursday joined the probe, inspecting the site alongside teams from Sindhudurg and the local area. These teams have already collected crucial evidence in their examinations over the past few days.
The statue collapse has sparked political tension in the region, with a clash erupting between workers of the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT). An FIR has been registered against 42 identified people and hundreds of unknown persons involved in the scuffle. Charges have been pressed under various sections of the law, including Sections 121(2), 189(2), 191(2) and several others.
Accused sculptor and consultant absconding
As part of the investigation into the collapse, Sindhudurg Police have identified two key persons who may be involved: sculptor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil. Both are currently absconding.
Jaydeep Apte, a 24 to 25-year-old sculptor from Kalyan, has become a prime suspect. Apte, a former student of the prestigious JJ School of Arts in Mumbai, had limited experience in crafting large statues before he was given the contract for Shivaji Maharaj’s statue. His connection with Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde is alleged to have played a role in securing this high-profile project.
Apte reportedly fled his house in Kalyan on the day the statue collapsed and has not been seen since.
Chetan Patil, a structural consultant from Kolhapur district, is also evading authorities. Police teams from the Sindhudurg Crime Branch visited his residence, but Patil was not present.
Police on the hunt
Sindhudurg police have formed seven specialised teams to track down Apte and Patil. Two of these teams are dedicated to technical analysis, while the remaining five are conducting searches in various locations across Mumbai, Kalyan, Kolhapur, and even Goa.
Despite their efforts, no significant leads have surfaced regarding the whereabouts of the two accused.
The investigation remains under way and police are continuing their raids in an attempt to locate the missing suspects. As forensic experts continue their work at Rajkot Fort, authorities are also probing what led to the collapse of the statue and whether there was any foul play involved.
