A damaged statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and a string of torn posters triggered fresh unrest at Loni Border in Ghaziabad on Sunday, drawing more than 500 residents into the streets and bringing traffic on the Delhi–Saharanpur Road to a standstill. Protesters demanded immediate arrests and quick action after they said the incidents were discovered overnight.
Residents say posters put up at Mangal Bazar were found ripped late Saturday, and that the statue beside Shani Mandir on the Indrapuri service road had been desecrated. Word spread quickly, drawing a large crowd that blocked the main carriageway and halted vehicular movement for several hours.
A local complainant, Satyaveer Singh, told police that those responsible arrived in a vehicle bearing registration UP14HA-8328. He said the damage was viewed as an attack on community sentiments and a deliberate attempt to disturb peace in the area.
Ambedkar statue vandalized in Loni: torn posters trigger mass protests
BHU numismatics workshop starts today: weeklong coin study and preservation training
Leaders and police move in
Loni MLA Nand Kishore Gujjar and municipal chairperson Ranjita Dhama arrived at the scene as the protest intensified, accompanied by senior police officials. Gujjar called the incident an effort to create communal discord and urged strict action, including invoking provisions under national security laws.
Authorities registered an FIR at the Loni Border police station under Sections 298 and 299, which address acts that insult religion or outrage religious feelings. Police said they have detained two people so far and are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify others involved.
- What residents reported: Posters torn at Mangal Bazar; statue damaged near Shani Mandir.
- Public response: Over 500 people gathered and blocked the Delhi–Saharanpur Road.
- Police action: Road cleared after baton charge; a small number detained; FIR filed under Sections 298 and 299.
- Next steps: Authorities checking CCTV and bringing a replacement statue from Baghpat for reinstallation.
Police moved in to disperse the blockade after it continued past 4pm, using batons to clear the road and detaining several protesters. With heavy deployment at the site, officers were able to reopen one carriageway first and later restore traffic in both directions.
The DCP announced that a replacement statue is being transported from Baghpat and will be installed soon. Investigators say they are piecing together footage and witness statements to build the case.
Beyond the immediate disruption to traffic and local commerce, the episode highlights how quickly localised acts of vandalism can escalate into broader public unrest. Officials face pressure to both restore order and demonstrate a timely, transparent investigation to prevent further tensions.
