Protests intensify in Shahjahanpur over demolition of Martyrs’ statues, officials suspended, FIR filed

Protests continued for the second day across Shahjahanpur following the demolition of statues of prominent freedom fighters, triggering widespread outrage and prompting swift administrative action.

The controversy arose after statues of Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Roshan Singh at a Shaheed memorial site were allegedly bulldozed during a road beautification drive. Reports that the remains were dumped at a garbage site further intensified public anger.

Demonstrations were held across the district, with various organisations and political groups alleging administrative negligence and demanding a high-level inquiry. Protesters described the act as disrespectful to national heroes, particularly as it coincided with the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

Authorities have treated the incident as a serious offence involving damage to public property and disrespect to nationally significant memorials. An FIR has been registered against the private contractor responsible for the road work. The charges may fall under provisions related to destruction of public property, criminal negligence, and acts that could disturb public order.

The demolition was carried out by a private contractor company engaged for the road beautification and widening project.

According to the FIR filed by municipal authorities, the company allegedly removed the statues without informing or obtaining approval from the civic body . However, protesters have questioned this claim and alleged possible administrative complicity, which is now part of the ongoing investigation.

Action so far includes blacklisting of the company, cancellation of its contract, and suspension of two municipal engineers under the direction of Yogi Adityanath.

Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has blacklisted the company involved, cancelled its contract, and suspended a junior engineer and an assistant engineer of the municipal corporation.

While the investigation is ongoing, legal consequences for those found guilty could include fines, imprisonment under laws governing damage to public property, and departmental action against officials. Meanwhile, protesters have demanded immediate restoration of the statues and strict accountability.

The incident has drawn attention nationwide, highlighting concerns over the protection of historical memorials and the need for stricter oversight in public infrastructure projects.