Ahmedabad police arrested one Jayesh Thakor and one more accused for vandalising the Ambedkar statue in Ahmedabad's Khokhara on Monday, as per reports.

A statue of Dr B R Ambedkar placed near Jayantilal Vakil Chali, close to K K Shastri College in Khokhra, Ahmedabad, was reportedly vandalised early Monday morning. The incident has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who see it as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony and provoke unrest.  

The vandalism was first reported at 8.47 am by Prakashbhai, a resident, who filed a complaint with the Khokhra police. Upon reaching the scene, the police found that the statue's nose and glasses had been defaced. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area, but no suspects have been identified so far.  

Preliminary police investigations suggest that the act was deliberate, likely intended to provoke communal discord. The incident is believed to have occurred before 8.47 am. Residents expressed deep concern over the act and its potential repercussions, though they stated they were unaware of the perpetrator's identity.  

“We have registered a complaint under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those addressing offences against public tranquility and promoting enmity between groups,” stated Police Inspector N K Rabari.  

Local leaders and activists demanded swift action against those responsible. “Dr Ambedkar’s statue is a symbol of equality and justice. Such acts of vandalism are intolerable and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness,” said a prominent community leader.  

The vandalism prompted a large crowd to gather at the site in protest, with many voicing their anger and frustration over the attack on social harmony. In response, the Khokhra police deployed a team to manage the situation and launch an investigation into the matter.  

Community leaders and police officials have urged residents to remain calm and let the law take its course. The area around the statue has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure, with additional police personnel deployed to prevent any escalation of tensions.  

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits, as residents and leaders alike call for justice and the restoration of peace in the community.

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