Bhubaneswar, Sep 10: Miscreants allegedly vandalised and looted the statue of former Odisha Chief Minister and legendary leader Biju Patnaik at Siali Beach under Ersama block in Jagatsinghpur district, triggering resentment among local residents and political leaders.

The statue, installed at Siali Beach in 2019, was inaugurated by former minister late Damodar Rout. Following the incident, Padmapur Sarpanch Pratima Rani Patra lodged a written complaint at Ersama Police Station, seeking action against those responsible for the alleged vandalism.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from local politicians, intellectuals and members of the public. They have demanded that the police identify the culprits at the earliest and take stringent legal action against those involved in damaging the statue.

The alleged vandalism comes amid another controversy concerning a statue near Siali Beach. Just two days ago, a statue of veteran politician and former minister Damodar Rout, erected near the beach, was dismantled by the Forest Department.

Officials reportedly cited the absence of necessary permission and said the structure had been constructed on forest land. The dismantling took place shortly before its scheduled inauguration.

The back-to-back incidents have generated concern among locals, who have urged the administration to maintain peace and take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the area.

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