Maharashtra Police Arrest Man Behind Illegal Statue Installations Amidst Rising Tensions
Behind Maharashtra’s ‘illegal’ statues — a lucrative business, fly-by-night operations
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Balraje Aware-Patil, a 45-year-old man from Jalna, Maharashtra, was arrested for allegedly installing unauthorized statues of historical figures, leading to protests and violence. Police have linked him to multiple cases of illegal installations across the state, sparking concerns over land encroachment and community tensions.
- 01Balraje Aware-Patil was arrested for installing unauthorized statues in Maharashtra.
- 02He faces charges including attempted murder and rioting.
- 03At least 14 cases related to illegal statues have been registered in Solapur district.
- 04A confrontation between caste groups over a statue installation led to violence.
- 05Authorities are investigating Aware-Patil's potential involvement in a larger operation.
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Balraje Aware-Patil, a 45-year-old resident of Jalna, Maharashtra, was arrested by Solapur Police for allegedly installing unauthorized statues of revered historical figures. His nighttime operations reportedly helped him build a lucrative business while also inciting protests and violence. Authorities have registered at least 14 cases related to illegal statue installations in Solapur district, with Aware-Patil named in five of them. The situation escalated after a statue was installed in a temple in Anjangaon, leading to clashes between two caste groups and injuries to police personnel. Following these events, the Jalna district administration has ordered the closure of Aware-Patil's manufacturing unit, and police are investigating whether he is part of a broader statewide operation to encroach on land and mobilize local support.
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The arrests and ongoing investigations may lead to increased scrutiny of unauthorized statue installations in Maharashtra, impacting local communities and their relations.
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