Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue Collapse Due to Rusty Nuts and Bolts

The charges against contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil include collusion, fraud, and endangering public safety. These charges were filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR was initiated following a complaint by the Public Works Department (PWD) which alleged that the construction of the statue was of poor quality and that the nuts and bolts used in the structure were found to be rusted. Concerns about the statue’s deteriorating condition had been previously expressed by local citizens and tourists.

Despite warnings and an alert from the assistant engineer of the Malvan division of the PWD on August 20, no preventive action was taken. Sindhudurg guardian minister Ravindra Chavan stated that “the steel used in making of the statue had started rusting” and that the PWD had informed Navy officials about the statue catching rust and requested appropriate steps be taken. The construction of the statue began on September 8, with the Indian Navy, without expertise in statue construction, being responsible for erecting the statue and its pedestal. The unveiling of the statue took place on Navy Day, December 4, at Rajkot Fort, with Prime Minister Modi presiding over the event.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attributed the collapse of the statue to strong winds, claiming they were blowing at a speed of 45 km per hour at the time. However, the opposition has criticized the government, accusing it of negligence.