'Ambedkarvadis' protest arrest of youth for statue descration

Kanpur, Dec 1 (UNI) Irked over the arrest of a youth -- in connection with Tuesday night's desecration of Dr B R Ambedkar's sttue, dalit activists today staged a demonstration alleging police had arrested an innocent person.

The followers of Dr Ambedkar gathered near the Kakadeo area and shouted slogans against Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and local police.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) former District President Gayadeen Kureel said a delegation would meet the DIG (Kanpur range) Daljeet Chaudhary to discuss the issue.

Mr Kureel alleged ''the city Police has nabbed one Arun Valmiki to further the interests of the local politicians.'' He slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for conspiring to insult the Dalits.

''There are several instances including ransacking of Dr Ambedkar's statue when the government insulted the Dalits and their leaders,'' he maintained.

Tension brewed up when unidentified persons vandalised a statue of Babasahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Kakadev area in front of Kulvanti hospital.

Police had taken seven people into custody, including Valmiki yesterday.

On interrogation, Valmiki reportedly confessed his involvement, saying he along with his two friends, had committed the crime under the influence of liquor.

UNI ATI MSJ KP1458