Former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik’s statue in Bolangir set ablaze; one detained

In an unfortunate incident, the statue of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was set ablaze at Brahmapura block under Patnagarh police station in Bolangir district on Tuesday.

A ‘mentally disturbed’ person has reportedly been detained by Patnagarh police in connection with the case. The incident has raised concerns among local residents. The exact cause behind this act is still to be ascertained.

Police Efforts & Damage Control

As per reports, upon being informed, local police reached the spot and managed to extinguish the blaze. The fire, however, had already consumed the polythene sheet covering the statue.

Controversy Surrounding Biju Square

As per sources, the square, initially named 'Parsuham Square' after the Hindu mythological figure Parashuram, was rechristened 'Biju Square' by a former MLA of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). This renaming had previously stirred controversy, especially within the Brahmin community.

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Eyewitness Accounts

Local residents reportedly noticed the statue ablaze earlier this morning. According to eyewitnesses, a mentally disturbed individual set the statue ablaze. The concerned person has been detained but Patnagarh police are yet to issue a formal statement in this regard. 

"Local residents noticed the fire in the morning. They immediately informed Patnagarh police who immediately reached the spot and managed to douse the fire. A mentally disturbed person might have set the statue ablaze in the morning hour. He has been detained and further investigation into the incident is currently underway," said Raja Khamari, an eyewitness.