Sun Apr 06 23:21:00 UTC 2025: ## UP Village Tense After Clashes Over Removal of Ambedkar, Buddha Statues
**LUCKNOW, April 7, 2025** – Tensions remain high in Vibharapur village, Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, following clashes between villagers and police over the removal of statues of B.R. Ambedkar and Lord Buddha. The statues, erected on government land in March, were removed on April 5th after the local administration issued a notice and a deadline for their removal was ignored.
The removal sparked violent protests, with villagers, primarily Dalits, pelting stones at police officers. At least seven police personnel sustained injuries, and the Circle Officer’s vehicle was damaged. Police responded by arresting eight individuals in connection with the incident.
Additional Superintendent of Police Praveen Ranjan Singh stated that the statues were removed following orders from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Circle Officer after repeated complaints. He confirmed that a case has been registered against those involved in the violence.
This incident is the latest in a series of clashes across Uttar Pradesh linked to Ambedkar statues. Similar conflicts have erupted in recent months due to either vandalism of the statues or their removal by authorities, often leading to confrontations between Dalit communities and local administrations.
First Piper 