Ambedkar statue desecrated in AP

Unidentified persons desecrated a statue of Indian Constitution's architect BR Ambedkar at Dowleswaram here, police said.

The desecration, which took place at a road junction, sparked tension in Dowleswaram and forces have been rushed to the area to maintain peace, they said.

Further details are awaited.

Dalit leaders, who visited the town, were angry over the incident.

"It's a grave insult to Ambedkar. The incident has occurred on a day when the country is celebrating the Republic
Day," they said.

On January 23, five statues of the Dalit icon were found vandalised in different villages under Amalapuram division,
about 70km from here.

Hours after the incident, a group of people attacked the Irrigation Department Office in Dowleswaram when the flag
hoisting ceremony was taking on account of Republic day.

They damaged furniture and manhandled some officials, police added.