Karkala: Parashurama statue parts seized in Bengaluru

Team Udayavani, Aug 5, 2024, 8:28 AM IST

Karkala: The controversy surrounding the Parashurama Theme Park on Bailoor in Karkala has resurfaced.

Following complaints that the statue was fake, Karkala city police investigated and seized parts of the Parashurama statue from a godown near Kengeri, Bengaluru, reportedly belonging to Krishna Naik of Krish Art World. The seized parts, weighing about 9 tons, were brought to Karkala on August 3.

Krishna Naik went live on Facebook during the police operation, expressing his grievances about the seizure without prior notice and alleging the involvement of individuals from other communities. He alleged that Karkala Congress leader Udaykumar Shetty Muniyalu visited the sculptor’s house. Naik has accused the police of harassment and misconduct.

 SP’s Clarification

The incident has gained traction on social media. Udupi SP Dr. Arun K clarified that the statue parts were seized in Bengaluru and that all legal protocols were followed, including prior notice to the sculptor. The entire process was recorded on video, and the police inspector involved wore a body camera. The SP assured that any legal violations would be investigated.

Debate Over Statue’s Authenticity

The seized parts, including two legs of the Parashurama statue, are stored at the city police station. Previously, the Congress party had mocked the statue, claiming it was made of fiber and displaying fiber parts.

Despite the sculptor’s clarification that the statue was undergoing modifications, Congress questioned the authenticity, asking, “Where is the bronze?” The recent seizure of tons of bronze parts has reignited the debate about the statue’s genuineness.