Villagers fume over Shivaji statue fencing, seek Shiv Sena's intervention

THANE: The fencing of a statue of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj allegedly by a private organisation has irked the villagers of Ganeshpuri in the district, prompting local Shiv Sena MLA to approach concerned authorities to resolve the matter.

The Ganeshpuri villagers held a meeting yesterday to condemn the fencing around the life-size statue and said that they would "free" Shivaji Maharaj of it at any cost.

The all party 'Sangharsha Samiti' passed a resolution to this effect and also sought the intervention of local Sena MLA Shantaram More for removal of the fence.

More, accompanied by another party leader, met Bhiwandi's sub-divisional officer Sanjay Thithe in connection with the issue.

Later, More, said in an official release that the SDO has ordered the Bhiwandi tehsildar to conduct an inquirt into the fencing issue following which further action would be decided.

Meanwhile, the locals said that the Shivaji statue installed at the entrance of the town is the pride of the place and sought to know how could a private organisation do the fencing on the land belonging to the government.