Police in Vedurukuppam, Chittoor district, apprehended a village sarpanch on Sunday night in connection with the alleged arson of a Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue in Devalampet village. The sarpanch stands accused of intentionally damaging the statue to falsely implicate political opponents and exploit the situation for personal gain.
The individual taken into custody, identified as Govindayya, faces charges under Sections 196(1)(a) and 326(g) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The incident unfolded in the early hours of October 3, when a thatched shop belonging to a woman in Devalampet was set ablaze by unknown individuals. The shop owner promptly contacted Govindayya for assistance. However, instead of notifying law enforcement, the sarpanch reportedly seized the opportunity to manipulate the circumstances.
According to police, Govindayya then took a burning coconut branch from the engulfed shop and deliberately set fire to the nearby Ambedkar statue. His alleged intention was to fabricate a scenario where his political rivals would be blamed for the desecration. This false narrative briefly ignited unrest among the local community, but police swiftly responded. Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi arrived in the village, calming the agitated residents and promising that the damaged statue would be replaced without delay by the district administration.
Following a formal complaint lodged by Bommana Palli Panchayat Secretary Ramu, a case was registered. A thorough investigation was initiated, spearheaded by Deputy SP (Nagari) Syed Mohammad Aziz and Karveti Nagaram Circle-Inspector Hanumanthappa.
SP Tushar Dudi later stated that comprehensive evidence gathered by the investigating teams and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) personnel conclusively confirmed Govindayya’s direct involvement in the incident.
Emphasizing the gravity of the act, SP Dudi declared, “Strict action will be taken against anyone who attempts to disturb public peace for personal gain.” The arrested sarpanch appeared before the court on Monday and has since been placed in judicial custody.