“I don't accept Ambedkar or Constitution,” says man held for desecrating statue in Punjab

A man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly desecrating a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar and damaging a nearby replica of the Constitution in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur. The incident, which took place in the Model Town area, triggered outrage, and an FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to police, the accused, Jagdeep Singh Matharu, climbed the stairs leading to the statue with his head wrapped in a cloth. He then spat several times on the statue, made derogatory remarks about Dr Ambedkar, and loudly declared he did not accept the Constitution.

Witnesses said Matharu then pulled out a metallic needle—typically used for turbans—and began scratching at the cement-built replica of the Constitution placed near the statue. Passers-by quickly intervened, stopping him from causing further damage and handing him over to the police.

An FIR has been lodged under sections related to outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult. Police said they are investigating his motive and urged the public not to spread rumours, assuring strict legal action is being taken.

The complaint was filed by Sukhdev Singh, secretary of the Punjab Bahujan Samaj Party unit. Investigators are also examining whether the act was premeditated or part of a larger agenda to provoke communal tension.