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Arrest Details: Chetan Patil, the structural consultant for the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue that recently collapsed in Rajkot Fort, Malvan, Sindhudurg, was arrested by Kolhapur Police on Thursday night. Patil had been evading arrest since the incident on Monday, which has led to significant public outrage and political turmoil. A contractor involved in the project has also been detained.
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Political Reactions: The collapse has caused embarrassment for the Eknath Shinde-led state government, drawing criticism and protests from opposition parties. Shinde mentioned that the statue was designed and constructed by the Indian Navy.
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Opposition Claims: State Congress chief Nana Patole alleged that the sculptor, Jaydeep Apte, who remains at large, is close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This claim followed comments from state cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, who stated that the sculptor was close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
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Legacy Concerns: The opposition has termed the incident an “insult to the legacy” of the 17th-century Maratha emperor, with Congress demanding an apology from Prime Minister Modi.