Following the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, a Joint Committee led by the Indian Navy will investigate the damage to the monument.

Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) [India], August 29: A joint technical committee led by the Indian Navy, including representatives from the Maharashtra Government and technical experts, is being established to investigate the recent damage to the Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg. This action follows exceptional weather conditions in the region, according to an official release from the Indian Navy.

The statue, unveiled on December 4, 2023, during Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, was part of a project honoring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contributions to maritime defense and security. The Indian Navy, in coordination with the state government, conceptualized and funded the project.

On Monday afternoon, the 35-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed. The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Navy Day in December 2023.

In response to the incident, NCP party workers led by Ajit Pawar staged a silent protest in Pune on Thursday. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Thackeray questioned the government's claims about the cause of the collapse, given that the Rajya Bhavan, located on the seashore, was unaffected by the weather.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the statue's collapse to strong winds. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole criticized both the central and state governments for alleged corruption and ineffectiveness.

Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar apologized to the people of Maharashtra and promised strict action against those responsible for the incident.