Lok Nayak's statue in capital vandalised

Socialist icon Jayaprakash Narayan’s statue at a memorial park in central Delhi was found vandalised ahead of his death anniversary.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Alok Kumar said a case of theft was filed on Tuesday at the IP Estate police station after a walking stick was found missing from the statue at Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Memorial Park recently. 

Bharatiya Janata Party's Sahyog Cell convener Suresh Srivastava informed police. The party also brought the incident to the notice of senior government and police officials, but complains that no action has yet been taken.

Srivastava told Deccan Herald that the theft came to light when he went to the park on October 8 to check on preparations for Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan's  birth anniversary celebrations on October 11.

“A part of the statue, a walking stick, was found missing. It came as a shock as nine security guards have been employed with the park. Its a great shame to the country as the statue of a legend has been vandalised,” he said.

JP is remembered for his opposition to Indira Gandhi in the 1970s.

The BJP has informed Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi, Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Range) M K Meena and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Alok Kumar. 

Srivastava claimed that Jung was helpful, but Dikshit did not respond.

“A case was filed only after a delegation of 20 people met and requested Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deepak Mishra,” he said.

“A probe is being conducted, but nothing specific has come to light regarding the theft,”  said DCP (Central) Alok Kumar.

It is suspected that the theft was carried out by vagabonds or drug addicts who are frequently noticed in the memorial park.