Kolkata, 13 August (H.S.) : A statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was allegedly vandalised in South Kolkata’s New Alipore area, triggering anger among local residents and BJP workers.

The statue, located near a three-way junction along the road towards Tollygunge, was found with its right arm broken on Thursday morning. The incident has since sparked tension in the area.

Local BJP workers reached the spot and alleged that miscreants had vandalised the statue during the night. They demanded an immediate investigation to identify those responsible.

The incident comes amid a series of controversies over alleged derogatory remarks concerning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Greater Cooch Behar movement leader Ananta Maharaj and some of his followers have recently faced criticism over remarks allegedly directed at Netaji.

On Thursday, the state government also withdrew the ‘Banga Bibhushan’ honour previously conferred on Ananta Maharaj.

Tarun Banerjee, secretary of the BJP’s South Kolkata unit, said Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari had recently issued a strong warning that insulting Netaji would not be tolerated and that the administration would take strict action.

Banerjee said the alleged vandalism following that warning was significant and demanded a prompt investigation into the incident. He also urged the authorities to identify and take action against those responsible for damaging the statue.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh