Silchar, February 26, 2026 — A 10-foot statue of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was brazenly demolished and uprooted by unidentified miscreants using an excavator in Assam’s Cachar district, turning a quiet market junction into the centre of a major political controversy.
The incident took place late Monday night (February 23) at the busy Pailapool (Poilapool) market in the Lakhipur police station area. The statue, installed in the year 2000 near Nehru College, stood as a local landmark at the four-way junction for over 25 years. CCTV footage from nearby shops captured the shocking act: a group of people operating heavy machinery to pull down the statue, which was then left toppled on the ground.
Lakhipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sankar Dayal told reporters: “We have not found any eyewitnesses, but CCTV footage clearly shows unknown miscreants demolishing the statue with the help of an excavator.” Police have registered an FIR, seized the excavator, and detained one person for questioning. The driver of the excavator remains absconding, and raids are underway to identify and arrest all those involved.
The vandalism has sparked widespread outrage and a sharp political row. The Congress party strongly condemned the “cowardly and outrageous act,” questioning the silence of the ruling BJP government and local administration. Congress leader Abhijit Paul drew parallels with the recent demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues in Bangladesh, saying, “The mindset behind both incidents is the same.”
Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, described the incident as an insult to Pandit Nehru’s legacy. TMC leader and former MP Sushmita Dev called it a “national shame” and demanded an immediate high-level probe along with the reinstallation of the statue at the same spot. Local Congress workers have warned of protests and agitation if the culprits are not arrested soon.
Residents of the Barak Valley expressed shock at the brazen use of heavy machinery in a public area at night, with many calling for stricter security for public monuments. No group or individual has claimed responsibility so far.
Police investigation is ongoing. This incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of historical figures’ memorials and the rising political tensions in Assam ahead of future elections. Further developments are awaited.
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