The Maharashtra police have intensified their search for Jaideep Apte, the sculptor behind the ill-fated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue that collapsed at Rajgad Fort in Malvan on August 26. Following the incident, a case was registered against Apte and fellow sculptor Chetan Patil, who was promptly arrested and is currently in police custody. However, Apte remains at large, prompting the formation of seven dedicated police teams to locate him. The collapse of the statue has stirred significant controversy and led to a public outcry, with many demanding accountability for the mishap. The statue, which was erected with much fanfare, unexpectedly toppled over, causing damage and raising concerns about the quality of work and materials used. The police have since launched an extensive investigation, focusing on both the technical aspects of the statue’s construction and the actions of those responsible. In their efforts to locate Jaideep Apte, the authorities have deployed two teams for technical analysis, while five additional teams have been dispatched to various locations, including Mumbai, Kalyan, Thane, Kolhapur, and Goa. Despite these extensive efforts, Apte remains elusive, and the police have yet to secure any definitive leads on his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Apte’s family, who had initially left their home in Thane for Shahapur after he went into hiding, has been brought back to their residence under police supervision. The family members were interrogated by a joint team from the Sindhudurg and Kalyan police divisions, but they were eventually allowed to return home. For the past five days, a significant police presence has been maintained outside their house, underscoring the high priority of this case.
The situation has also drawn the attention of the Sambhaji Brigade, a local activist group, who staged a protest outside Apte’s home, expressing their frustration by throwing eggs at the property. This incident further heightened tensions, leading to an increased police presence in the area to maintain order. Despite the mobilization of resources and the involvement of multiple police units, the search for Jaideep Apte continues with no clear resolution in sight. The police are under pressure to deliver results as the public and authorities alike demand answers regarding the statue’s collapse and the accountability of those involved.
