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yesterday

Suspect in Gandhi Statue Vandalism Attempt Remanded as Police Probe Motives

A seven-day custody order will allow authorities to assess his mental state alongside a probe into extremist affiliations.

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The police seized the weapon and recovered some religious books from his possession. (HT)
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Overview

  • Suraj Shukla, a 35-year-old Varanasi native, was arrested on July 6 after bystanders halted his attempt to strike the Gandhi statue at Pune Railway Station with a sickle.
  • Pune City Police registered an FIR under section 385 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 4(25) of the Arms Act and secured a seven-day court remand.
  • Officials report the statue survived undamaged but a tile on its pedestal broke when Shukla climbed onto the base.
  • Investigators have seized religious books and the weapon and are tracing Shukla's sales of rudraksha beads and recent movements as they examine possible extremist links.
  • Local Congress and NCP (SP) leaders staged protests and performed milk ablutions at the site, demanding tougher penalties and reinforced heritage protections.