Tue Jan 07 20:20:32 UTC 2025: ## Varanasi Protest Over Ambedkar Statue Vandalism

**VARANASI, INDIA (January 8, 2025)** – Hundreds of protesters blocked the Anai-Babatpur road in Varanasi for two hours on Tuesday, demonstrating against the vandalism of a B.R. Ambedkar statue in Lachirampura village. The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, prompted swift police action.

According to Baragaon SHO Atul Kumar Singh, a case has been registered, three individuals have been detained, and a thorough investigation is underway. Additional police have been deployed to the village, and the statue has since been reinstalled with the help of local residents. The protest ended after assurances of a full investigation and punishment for those responsible.

The Congress party condemned the vandalism, accusing the ruling BJP government of fostering hatred and targeting the Dalit community. National secretary Shahnawaz Alam claimed the incident is part of a pattern of attacks on Ambedkar statues in Uttar Pradesh, suggesting emboldened feudal elements are behind the violence. The situation is currently under control.

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