Shivaji statue collapse: MVA calls for inquiry over ‘irregularities’ in helipad construction for PM’s Malvan Visit

The 35-foot statue collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds on August 26.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded an impartial inquiry  and strict action against those responsible.

“Law was supreme in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. But this government has trampled the law in its own operations, which is deeply troubling. An impartial inquiry into this incident is essential, and strict action must be taken against those responsible. This issue concerns the identity of Maharashtra and the honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Sule posted on X, referring to The Indian Express report.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar questioned how the tender for constructing the helipads was issued just three days before the event. He asked how the PWD managed to complete the tendering process, select a bidder, issue a work order, and finish the work within this tight timeframe.

“Three helipads were constructed for the Prime Minister’s visit to Malvan to attend the statue unveiling event. Tenders were floated on November 30, 2023, for an event on December 4, 2023. The entire process was completed within three days, with the government spending Rs 2.03 crore. If the government can achieve such rapid results, why can’t other public work be completed with similar efficiency?” Wadettiwar questioned.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also raised concerns about the expenditure of Rs 2.03 crore on the temporary helipads and the issuance of backdated work orders.

“The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cost Rs 2.40 crore, while the temporary helipads cost Rs 2.02 crore. It seems like the cost of the doors and windows of a house is higher than the house itself. The state government spent Rs 78 lakh, Rs 44 lakh, and Rs 79 lakh on constructing the three helipads. What is most surprising is that tenders were floated in December 2023, yet work orders were placed two months earlier, in September 2023. This suggests that irregularities were evident even before the work officially began,” Pawar said.

Documents obtained by The Indian Express reveal that the contract for constructing all three helipads was awarded to the Sindhudurg-registered firm Accurate Infraproject for a total of Rs 2.03 crore.

The work orders were issued either before the tenders were floated or just 2-3 days before the PM’s scheduled visit on December 4.

The statue of Shivaji was constructed by Thane-based Artistry and sculptor Jaydeep Apte. It was erected at Rajkot Fort in Malvan at a cost of Rs 2.44 crore, funded by the Public Works Department.