Brass finials, tableaux damaged at Red Fort, says Culture Minister

Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel mentioned on Thursday that two brass finials that “are as old as the Red Fort”, an interpretation centre that was beneath building, and the Republic Day Parade tableaux that have been stationed at the Red Fort have been damaged within the violence that broke out throughout Tuesday’s farmers’ rally.

Mr. Patel, who visited the Red Fort on Wednesday to take inventory of the state of affairs, mentioned the gate of the monument was damaged, six or seven blocks of the interpretation centre on the primary flooring have been “destroyed” and lighting gear mendacity outdoors was damaged. He mentioned two brass finials from the flagpole the place the Tricolour flies completely have been “missing” after the violence. An Archaeological Survey of India official, nevertheless, mentioned the damaged finials have been discovered on the premises later.

ASI transfer

Terming the incident unlucky, Mr. Patel mentioned the ASI had filed a police grievance and sought motion beneath Section 30 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 that prescribed penalties for harm to protected websites.

Mr. Patel mentioned the tableaux, that are displayed at the Red Fort after the parade for the general public to see, have been damaged. He mentioned the “Ram mandir” tableau — Uttar Pradesh’s first prize-winning tableau depicting the Ram temple — and the Culture Ministry’s tableau have been amongst these damaged.

A senior Delhi Police officer mentioned: “We have registered an FIR under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to damaging public property at Kotwali police station against the protesters who caused damage to the monument on Republic Day.”