Hundreds of protesters blocked the busy Anai-Babatpur road in Varanasi for two hours on Tuesday, protesting against the vandalism of a statue of B.R. Ambedkar in their village.

“We have registered a case regarding the incident, which happened in the early hours of Monday. Three persons have been detained, and further investigation is under way,” said Baragaon SHO Atul Kumar Singh.

He added that additional police personnel have been deployed in Lachirampura village.

“The protesters called off their agitation after being assured that a thorough probe will be carried out and the guilty will be punished. The situation is under control, and the statue has been reinstalled with the support of the area’s residents,” the SHO said.

The Congress accused the ruling BJP government of “spreading hatred” that resulted in such incidents “aimed at demoralising the Dalit community”.

“Several Ambedkar statues have been vandalised in Uttar Pradesh recently. Feudal elements are getting emboldened by the BJP,” alleged the party national secretary, Shahnawaz Alam.