This story is from August 16, 2019

Steel City Bengalis march against removal of Khudiram Bose’s statue

Steel City Bengalis march against removal of Khudiram Bose’s statue
People protest against removal of Khudiram Bose's statue from a roundabout in Chandil.
JAMSHEDPUR: Hundreds of Bengali-speaking people took to the streets of Jamshedpur on Friday protesting the removal of freedom fighter Khudiram Bose's statue from a roundabout in Chandil in neighboring Seraikela-Kharsawan district on August 12.
Under the banner of Singbhum Bangiyo Association, Banga Bandhu and other like-minded organisations, protesters marched to the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner’s office and demanded immediate restoration of the statue at its place.

On August 11, some unidentified persons had removed the statue in night. Sensing that there may be law and order problem, district administration had imposed Section 144 in that area.
Notably, in the past there was a tussel between Kurmi Sena and Bengali-speaking people in the area over the place. Kurmi Sena wanted to install the statue of former deputy chief minister and JMM leader Sudhir Mahato, whereas Bengali-speaking wanted Khudiram Bose’s statue. Though, allegations and counter allegations over who removed the martyr’s statue are making rounds in the area, district administration is yet to nab the culprits.
Talking to TOI on Friday, Seraikela-Kharsawan SP Karthik S said, "District administration is considering the issue with importance and Chandil SDO is probing it and guilty would be punished," adding that the matter was sensitive keeping in mind that matter was associated with large section of Bengali-speaking people living in Kolhan.
Jamshedpur Bengali Association head Tapas Mitra condemned the incident, “It was extremely unfortunate” adding that Bengalis were deeply hurt over the removal Bose’s statue. He recalled how the martyr had sacrificed his life for the freedom struggle.
Echoing similar sentiments, noted city-based orthopedic surgeon, Indranil Bhaduri said, “The whole incident is just not acceptable,” and questioned how can freedom icon Khudiram Bose be insulted like this. He demanded immediate restoration of the revolutionary’s statue.
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