Parashurama Statue Case: Demand raised for arrest of remaining accused

Udupi: Congress leader Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty demanded that the police promptly arrest the remaining accused individuals involved in the construction delay and irregularities behind the Parashurama statue at Parashurama Theme Park on Ummikkal Hill, Bailur in Karkala.

Sculptor Krishna Naik, who is accused of fraud, has been arrested.

Addressing a press meet on Tuesday, Uday Shetty further insisted that the police thoroughly investigate the missing portion of the statue’s torso. He alleged that multiple people were involved in the corruption surrounding the statue’s construction and urged the authorities to question everyone involved. He called for a swift conclusion to the investigation, a replacement statue and for it to be made accessible to tourists soon.

“Our intent isn’t to trouble sculptor Krishna Naik in this case,” Shetty clarified. “Those truly accountable should be held responsible, including members of the Legislative Assembly. It’s unjust that only the artist has been imprisoned while others involved walk free.”

Shetty added that Rs 1.25 crore had been sanctioned for the statue’s construction, but the funds were handed over to Naik even before the tender was completed. He questioned the feasibility of constructing a 33-foot bronze statue within a mere 45 days.

According to Shetty, Krishna Naik wasn’t the only person responsible; engineers from the project’s development center were also implicated. He demanded that Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar clarify the status of the allocated funds to the people of Karkala and issue a public apology. If the MLA’s involvement in the irregularities is confirmed, Shetty demanded that the MLA be arrested as well.

Others present at the press meet included Karkala Block Congress President Subodh Rao, former Taluk Panchayat member Sudhakar Shetty, former Municipal President Subith N.R., and Municipal Council member Vivekananda Shenoy.