Ambedkar statue vandalized; Khalistani leader charged

India Jun 11, 2025

A statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was damaged in Noorpur Jattan village, Hoshiarpur, with both hands broken off. Inspector Gagandeep Singh confirmed the incident, and pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has openly claimed responsibility. Police have registered an FIR against Pannun and others under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Will protest if arrests are not made

The Bahujan Samaj Party's Punjab chief, Avtar Singh Karimpuri, strongly condemned the act and warned of protests if arrests aren't made within a week. The party is urging better security for Ambedkar statues after similar incidents nearby, such as the one on May 25, led to an earlier arrest.