Attempt to re-install Ambedkar statue foiled

Punjagutta: All India Congress Committee secretary V Hanumantha Rao was arrested by the police on Tuesday along with other supporters when he tried to install a new statue of Ambedkar in Panjagutta circle. When the situation turned violent with the protests of his followers, the police shifted him to Bollaram police station.

Latter, VH was taken to Osmania Hospital as he complained of illness. Earlier he reached the circle along with the Ambedkar statue which was made with Rs 5 lakh. Police stopped him from installation and shifted him and his followers to Bollaram police station.

It may be recalled here that the statue of Ambedkar was vandalised when Dalit organizations tried to install it at the Panjagutta circles beside the statue of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy a few weeks ago. The GHMC staff and police thwarted the attempt then and carried away the statue. It was broken during the removal, leading to protests in the state.

The Congress vehemently opposed this action. Speaking to the media, after his arrest, VH slammed the Telangana government for not allowing installation of Ambedkar statue at the Panjagutta circle.