The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Priceless statues of kings vandalised

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 04, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Priceless statues of kings vandalised

Correspondent

VIZIANAGARAM: Miscreants vandalised the statues of Maharaja Vijayarama Raju-III (1826-1879), who was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions here, and the statue of Maharaja Vijayarama Raju-IV that were erected in the traditional burial ground of the kings in the beginning of the 20th century. The spot is located at a stone’s throw from traffic police station on the banks of Pedda Cheruvu.

Some people working in the vicinity found the statue of Vijayarama Raju-III minus the head on Friday evening. They immediately informed the MANSAS Trust Assistant Commissioner Hanumantha Rao who lodged a complaint with the one town police who swung into action.

The sword of Vijayarama Raju-IV was also found missing.

Shocked

The news that spread like a wild fire and caused much embarrassment to the officials. People were shocked about the incident.

P. Ananda Gajapathi Raju, former MP and great grandson of the kings, condemned the act as unfortunate and added that there was no room for politics in the incident.

Superintendent of Police Vikram Singh Mann told reporters on Saturday that investigation into the “heinous” act was on.Appala Kondayamba, daughter of Vijayarama Raju-III, erected the statue in 1904. The statues are reportedly made of precious metals.

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