Statue Arm of Rani Channamma Falls Off in Kittur Ahead of Utsav

The right arm of the statue of Rani Channamma in Kittur fell off accidentally on October 19 night. The equestrian statue stands at the entrance of the historic town, off the Pune-Bengaluru national highway.

Details

The metal statue is around 10 feet tall, stands 50 feet high above the ground, and weighs over a tonne. It was unveiled in 1997 and later relocated in 1999 during highway widening under the Golden Quadrangle project. Officers inspected the spot and moved the broken arm and sword to the tahsildar's office. While the exact cause is not known, officials suspect it might have rusted and broken due to rain and wind.

Demands

Pro-Kannada groups and local leaders have demanded immediate action following the incident. Rudragouda Patil, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike taluk unit president, asked for the statue to be replaced and suggested that Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar should announce a larger replacement during the valedictory event. Sri Madiwala Rajayogindra swami of Kittur Kalmath and MLC Hanumant Nirani also demanded repairs and a new statue before the Kittur Utsav begins on October 23.

Context

Public monuments often face structural stress from weather and age, leading to local demands for maintenance or replacement ahead of major cultural celebrations. The Kittur Utsav is a significant annual event that draws large crowds to honor the region's historic legacy.