A joint technical committee headed by the Indian Navy is being formed to investigate the damage to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg. Apart from Navy officials, the committee will have representatives from the Maharashtra government and technical experts.

The Indian Navy said in a statement that the statue was unveiled on December 4, 2023, as part of the Navy Day celebrations. It was aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj towards maritime defence and security and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. The Indian Navy said it is committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore, and reinstate the statue at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has directed the Public Works Department to appoint a committee of the country’s leading sculptors, civil engineers, experts, and naval officers to erect a grand and excellent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.