Biju Patnaik Statue Set Ablaze in Patnagarh, Suspect Arrested

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemns the act, promises strict action as police rule out political conspiracy.

A statue of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was deliberately set on fire in Patnagarh, Bolangir district, on April 15, 2025.
Police have arrested one suspect, reportedly suffering from mental illness, and ruled out any evidence of a political conspiracy so far.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the incident and directed law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
The statue, installed by former MLA Saroj Kumar Meher, has been a longstanding source of local controversy, with demands for its replacement by a statue of Lord Parshuram.
The arson has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, with BJD leaders framing it as an attack on Biju Patnaik's legacy and Odisha's cultural ethos.