Bhubaneswar, April 25 -- The Forest Department demolished a statue of former BJD minister late Damodar Rout on Friday, just two days before its scheduled unveiling, triggering unrest in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district. The statue had been erected near Shiali beach by the Bali Jatra Committee and was set to be formally unveiled on Sunday.

Invitation cards for the unveiling ceremony had already been distributed prior to the demolition. The sudden action by the Forest Department has led to resentment among locals, who were anticipating the event.

Sources indicate that the statue was constructed on forest land without obtaining the necessary permission. Acting on this, the Forest Department reportedly dismantled the structure. However, no o...