The Madhya Pradesh High Court has questioned the state government and police over their inaction following the vandalism of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue in Seoni district on February 10, 2025. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain issued notices to the Seoni Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Dhuma police station, directing them to submit affidavits explaining why no arrests have been made more than two months after the incident .

The court’s directive came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Seoni resident Jitendra Ahirwar. The petitioner alleged that, despite registering an FIR against unidentified individuals, the police failed to apprehend any suspects. Furthermore, he claimed that the damaged statue was removed and replaced without proper investigation .

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 7, 2025, and has instructed the concerned officials to file their affidavits before that date. The court emphasized that if any action has already been taken, it should be detailed in the affidavits .

This incident has sparked significant public outcry, particularly among Dalit communities, who view the statue’s desecration as an attack on Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and the values of social justice and equality he championed.

Sources