Tension at Bollikunta in Warangal over installation of Shivaji statue

Tension gripped Bollikunta village in Warangal over the proposed installation of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue near a Dr. BR Ambedkar statue. Police deployed forces as rival groups gathered, while officials held discussions to resolve the dispute peacefully

Warangal: A tense atmosphere prevailed at Bollikunta village in Khila Warangal mandal in the district on Thursday over installation of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue.

Following a call by Hindu groups and the BJP that planned to install the statue at a local junction, the public supporting the statue’s installation gathered at the village in large numbers. Similarly, dalit groups and those opposing the statue’s installation next to a statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar also gathered at the village.

---

As the village is divided into two factions and tension is built up, heavy police deployment has been made at the village to prevent any untoward incidents. Mamnoor ACP Venkatesh who arrived at the village appealed to both the factions to remain peaceful and find an amicable solution to the issue. He also told the outsiders to leave the village.

The District Collector Dr Satya Sharada and other officials also arrived at Bollikunta and are holding discussions with both the factions to resolve the ongoing dispute. Efforts are being made to collect the opinion of the majority to end the controversy surrounding Shivaji statue installation.

It might be recalled that the dispute has arisen ever since certain Hindu outfits along with some villagers decided to install Shivaji statue at the village centre and performed ‘Bhoomi Pooja’ for the purpose amidst opposition from the local dalit community.

On July 17, the Hindu outfits brought the Shivaji statue and placed it on the ground at the junction during mid-night hours. In view of the dispute over the matter, the local police, revenue and municipal officials removed the statue amidst heavy security. The statue was first taken to the municipal office premises at Nakkalagutta and later shifted to some other location.