The statues of Kakori train action martyrs Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Roshan Singh—installed outside the Municipal Corporation office in Shahjahanpur—were demolished using a bulldozer on Sunday night. The videos circulating on social media showed destroyed statues being dumped by the roadside. This is fueling intense public anger in the city.

Who Did It & Why

According to the reports, the statues were being relocated as part of a Smart Road construction project. The plan involved replacing the existing statues with new ones. However, the contractor allegedly attempted to remove the statues using a bulldozer late Sunday night without informing municipal authorities, said authorities. and in the process, the statues were damaged

Political Reaction

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the demolition, calling it a reflection of a "disturbing mindset." UP Congress chief Ajay Rai demanded strict action against those responsible. Inc district president Rajneesh Gupta (Munna) alleged the statues were demolished to remove the identity of Martyrs from the district. 

Government Response

Authorities responded by blacklisting the company involved, while two municipal officials were suspended. CM Yogi Adityanath intervened, stressing accountability and ordering stringent action. We were unaware about the demolition, said Mayor Archana Verma. 

FIR Registered

Shahjahanpur Police registered an FIR against the contractor firm under Sections 196(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — for promoting enmity and intentional insult. The quick somehow managed the anger among the people but the question remains why this happened?