A statue of B. R. Ambedkar was vandalised in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on Tuesday, triggering tension in the area after the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility for the act. The incident took place in Noorpur Jattan village, where the statue had been installed atop a private building.

According to reports, unidentified individuals smashed the protective glass casing around the statue and damaged the bust using blunt objects. The statue had previously been targeted in June 2025, following which it was encased in glass for protection. The repeated vandalism has raised concerns among local residents and authorities.

SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video claiming responsibility for the incident, describing it as part of a broader campaign linked to the group’s “Khalistan referendum.” In the video, he made controversial remarks regarding Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution, and warned of similar incidents in the coming weeks.

Also Read: SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP as Corruption Cases Hurt Party Image

Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered against Pannun and unidentified persons in connection with the vandalism. Authorities said investigations are underway, and security has been stepped up in the area to prevent further escalation. Local officers also noted that the land on which the statue stands is under a dispute, complicating long-term security arrangements at the site.

The incident sparked protests by members of Dalit organisations and political groups, who gathered at the site demanding immediate arrests. Leaders from the Bahujan Samaj Party issued an ultimatum to the state government, warning of a wider agitation if those responsible are not apprehended within a stipulated time frame.

This is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Ambedkar statues in Punjab, particularly in the Doaba region, which has a significant Dalit population. Similar incidents in recent years have led to protests and law-and-order concerns, with authorities cautioning that such acts risk disturbing communal harmony and social stability in the state.

Also Read: PM Modi: Previous Governments Ignored Ancient Manuscripts of Jain Tradition